A New Day for China-India Relations

The Development of Road Ahead: Building China-India relations in New Relations Recent 70 Years

Vol.20 No.2 | March - April 2020

国内零售价：10 元 / India 100 www.chinaindiadialogue.com 可栽绕已种地塞达树木寒来球罕沙赤坝按半个多世纪，暑地道机往，变林海，荒牢记使命械林三场原成代人的森林覆盖率绿洲。耕耘。 80%

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1 米株距排开，艰苦创业 12 圈。

绿色发展

Saihanba is a cold alpine area in northern Hebei Province bordering the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It was once a barren land but is now home to 75,000 hectares of forest, thanks to the efforts make by generations of forestry workers in the past 55 years. Every year the forest purifies 137 million cubic meters of water and absorbs 747,000 tons of carbon dioxide. The forest produces 12 billion yuan (around US$1.8 billion) of ecological value annually, according to the Chinese Academy of Forestry. 可绕地球赤道栽种树木按已达塞罕坝机械林场的森林覆盖率寒来暑往，沙地变林海，荒原成绿洲。半个多世纪，三代人耕耘。牢记使命 CHINA-INDIA DIALOGUE CONTENTS Administrative Agency: 主管： China International 中国外文出版发行事业局（中国国际出版集团） 80% Publishing Group CHINDIA NEWS Publisher: 主办、出版： China Pictorial 人民画报社 Memorabilia of 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Address: 地址：， 33 Chegongzhuang Xilu, Haidian, 北京市海淀区 Beijing 100048, China 车公庄西路33号 Diplomatic Relations between China and India / p.02 1 米株距排开，艰苦创业 President: Yu Tao 社长：于涛 12 Editorial Board: 编委会：圈。 OPENING ESSAY Yu Tao, Li Xia, 于涛、李霞、 He Peng, Bao Linfu, 贺鹏、鲍林富、 Yu Jia, Yan Ying 于佳、闫颖 CHARTING A NEW COURSE FOR Editor-in-Chief: Li Xia 总编辑：李霞 Editorial Directors: 编辑部主任： DRAGON-ELEPHANT TANGO 08 Qiao Zhenqi, Yin Xing 乔振祺、殷星 perations irector

O D : 业务总监： Zhao Yue 赵月绿色发展 Operations Supervisor: 业务主管： Hu Zhoumeng 胡周萌 English Editors: 英文定稿： Xu Mingqiang, Liu Haile 徐明强、刘海乐 Editorial Consultants: 语言顾问： Scott Huntsman, Nathan Bennett 苏格、白浩天 Editors and Translators: 编辑、翻译： Gong Haiying, Hu Zhoumeng, 龚海莹、胡周萌、 Liu Haile, Li Zhuoxi, 刘海乐、李卓希、 Li Yiqi, Wang Shuya, 李艺琦、王舒雅、 Xu Shuyuan, Yin Xing, 许舒园、殷星、 Zhao Yue, Zhou Xin 赵月、周昕 Editor-Visuals & Photographs: 视觉编辑： Li Zhuoxi 李卓希 Designed by: Alinea Productions 设计：Alinea Productions Remittance to: Publishing and 邮购收款人： Distribution Department, 人民画报社 China Pictorial 出版发行部

Telephone 电话: +86-10-68413849, +86-10-68412166 Postal Code 邮编: 100048 Sino-Indian Relations at 70: Reinforcing Growth and Stability / p.14 Academic Partners: 学术合作单位： Chinese Association for 中国南亚学会 South Asian Studies Observer Research 印度观察家基金会（孟买） COMMENT CASE STUDY Foundation (Mumbai) Legal Adviser: Yue Cheng 法律顾问：岳成 The Development of China- Pharma: An Emerging Link in Printing: 印刷： Toppan Leefung Changcheng 北京利丰雅高长城 India relations in Recent 70 China-India Ties / p.44 Printing (Beijing) Co., Ltd. 印刷有限公司 Years/ p.18 Overseas Distribution: DISCUSSION China International Book Trading Corporation (Guoji Shudian), Time to Tap Potential / p.22 Seeking Wisdom for Cultural 35 Chegongzhuang Xilu, P.O. Box 399, Beijing 100048, China Exchanges from Ancient In China, subscriptions are available at any post office. Subscription and distribution agency in Hong Kong, Macao, STRATEGY Civilizations / p.48 and Taiwan: Hong Kong Peace Book Company, Ltd. Road Ahead: Building New The Power of Cultural 17/F., Paramount Building, 12 Ka Yip Street, Relations / p.26 Chai Wan, Hong Kong Exchange / p.52 China standard periodical number: ISSN 2096-2592 Strengthening China-India Ties CN10-1433/D Through Cultural and People- DATA Advertising Business License: Facts and Figures on China- J.H.G.S. Advertising Business Registration No.20170199 to-people Contacts / p.29 Pricing: India Cooperation / p.56 ¥10 / India ₹ 100 TREND Economic Cooperation: Now is YOUNG VOICES the Time to Act / p.34 Closer China-India Youth Reinforcing the Foundation of Exchanges / p.60 VOL.20 NO.2 | MARCH - APRIL 2020 China-India Friendship / p.38 BOOKS Seven Decades of Meaningful Major Issues in China-India Visit China-India Dialogue on the Internet: Interactions / p.41 Relations / p.64 www.chinaindiadialogue.com Follow us on:

Consultants of the China-India Dialogue Advisory Board

Alka Acharya Professor and former director of the Ma Weigong Consultant of the National Institute Chinese ambassador to India Institute of Chinese Studies, Delhi of Strategic Communication at Peking University Sudheendra Kulkarni, Founder of Forum for New and former deputy editor-in-chief of China Radio South Asia Dhaval D Desai, Senior Fellow & Vice President of International Observer Research Foundation Tarun Vijay Former member of Parliament and Mukul Sanwal Former Policy Adviser to the Hu Shisheng Director of the Institute of South and president of Parliamentary Group on India China Executive Director of United Nations Environment Friendship Southeast Asian and Oceanian Studies under China Programme Institutes of Contemporary International Relations T. C. A. Rangachari Former Indian Ambassador to Pravin Sawhney Editor of Force Newsmagazine France and Germany, dealt with India’s relations Li Daokui Economics professor and director of the Sun Shihai Former director of the Chinese with China for over 15 years in the Ministry of Center for China in the World Economy at Tsinghua External Affairs University Association for South Asian Studies and former deputy director of the National Institute of Yang Yifeng Director of the Hindi Department Lin Minwang Professor at the Institute of International Strategy under the Chinese Academy of the Center for Programs in Asian and African Internationnal Studies at Fudan University of Social Sciences Languages, China Media Group Ma Jiali Deputy Director of the Center for International Sun Yuxi Former Special Envoy of the Chinese Zhang Wenmu Professor of the Center for Strategic Strategic Studies of China Reform Forum Foreign Ministry on Afghan Affairs and former Studies at Beihang University CHINDIA NEWS

Memorabilia of 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and India

Mao Zedong, Chairman of the Central People’s Government of China, met with Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in October 1954.

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1950 1962 On April 1, China and India established The border conflict led to a serious setback in diplomatic relations. India was the first bilateral relations. non-socialist country to establish diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China. “Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai” (meaning “India 1976 and China are brothers”) has become a China and India restored ambassado- catchphrase from that time and a much-told rial relations and bilateral ties improved story in the history of bilateral exchanges. gradually.

1954 1988 Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai visited India. Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi visited China and India signed the Joint Statement China, initiating the process of normalization and jointly advocated the Five Principles of bilateral relations. The two sides agreed to of Peaceful Coexistence. In the same year, “look forward” and develop bilateral relations Indian Prime Minister Nehru visited actively in other fields while seeking a mutu- China. He was the first head of govern- ally acceptable solution to boundary question. ment of a non-socialist country who visited China since the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

Deng Xiaoping, Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission met with Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in December 1988. Zhou Enlai, Premier of Government Administration Council of the Central People’s Government of China, visited India and jointly advocated the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence in June 1954. 1992 Indian President R. Venkataraman visited China. He was the first Indian president who 1955 visited China since the independence of the Premier Zhou Enlai and Prime Minister Republic of India. Nehru attended the Asian-African Conference in which 29 countries participated in Bandung, Indonesia and jointly 1993 advocated the Bandung Spirit of solidarity, Indian Prime Minister Narasimha Rao friendship and cooperation. visited China. Agreement between the

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Government of China and the Government agreed to enhance mutual understanding of India on the Maintenance of Peace and and trust and promote exchanges and coop- Tranquility along the Line of Actual Control in eration in various fields. the India-China Border Areas was signed. 2003 1996 Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee visited President Jiang Zemin visited India. He was China. The two sides signed The Declaration the first head of state from China who visited on the Principles and Comprehensive India since the establishment of bilateral Cooperation in China-India Relations, and diplomatic ties. Both sides agreed to build agreed to establish the special representa- a constructive partnership of cooperation tives meeting mechanism on India-China oriented towards the 21st century. Agreement boundary question. between the Government of China and the Government of India on Confidence Building Measures in the Military Field along the Line 2005 of Actual Control in the India-China Border Premier Wen Jiabao visited India. China Areas was signed. and India signed the Joint Statement and declared the establishment of the strategic and cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity. The two sides welcomed the signing of the Agreement on the Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the India-China Boundary Question.

2006 President Hu Jintao visited India. The two sides signed a Joint Declaration to

Chinese President Jiang Zemin visited India and held talks with Indian President Shankar Dayal Sharma in November 1996.

2000 Indian President K R Narayanan visited China on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and India.

2002 Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Indian President Premier Zhu Rongji visited India. Both sides Abdul Kalam in New Delhi in November 2006.

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formulate the ten-pronged strategy for South Africa in March. Premier Li Keqiang deepening the strategic and cooperative visited India in May and the two sides partnership. released a Joint Statement. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh visited China in October. 2008 Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan 2014 Singh visited China. “A Shared Vision for the The year marked the “China-India Friendly 21st Century” was agreed upon by the two Exchange Year.” In September, President governments. Xi Jinping paid a state visit to India and visited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state of Gujarat. The two sides 2010 issued Joint Statement on Building a Closer Indian President Patil visited China in May, Developmental Partnership. In the same year, which coincided with the 60th anniversary of President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang the establishment of diplomatic ties between met with Prime Minister Modi respectively China and India. In December, Chinese on the sidelines of the 6th BRICS Summit Premier Wen Jiabao visited India and the in Brazil and the Leaders’ Meetings on East two sides issued a Joint Communiqué. Asia Cooperation in Myanmar.

2011 2015 The year was the “China-India Exchange Indian Prime Minister Modi visited China Year.” Both sides held a series of people- and went to President Xi Jinping’s home- to-people and cultural exchange activities, town Xi’an. In the same year, President and signed a memorandum on joint compi- Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang lation for the “Encyclopedia of India-China met with Prime Minister Modi respec- Cultural Contacts.” A 500-member Indian tively on the sidelines of the 7th BRICS youth delegation visited China. Summit in Ufa and the Leaders’ Meetings on East Asia Cooperation in Malaysia. China decided to open the Nathu La 2012 Pass to Indian official pilgrims to Tibet The year was the “Year of China-India Autonomous Region. India celebrated the Friendship and Cooperation.” President Hu India Tourism Year in China. Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao met with Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh respectively on the sidelines of the 4th BRICS 2016 Summit and the United Nations Conference Indian President Mukherjee visited China. on Sustainable Development. A 500-member Indian Prime Minister Modi visited China Chinese youth delegation visited India. to attend the G20 Summit in Hangzhou and met with President Xi Jinping on the sidelines. President Xi Jinping visited India 2013 to participate in the 8th BRICS Summit in President Xi Jinping met with Indian Prime Goa and met with Prime Minister Modi on Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on the side- the sidelines. China celebrated the China lines of the 5th BRICS Summit in Durban, Tourism Year in India.

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2017 Narendra Modi in Wuhan. They had President Xi Jinping met with Prime in-depth discussions and reached broad Minister Modi on the sidelines of the SCO consensus on the overarching, long- Summit in Astana. Prime Minister Modi term and strategic issues of global and visited China to attend the 9th BRICS bilateral importance and their respective Summit in Xiamen and met with President visions for national development as well Xi Jinping on the sidelines. as domestic and foreign policies. The informal meeting set up a new model of exchanges between leaders of the two 2018 countries and became a milestone in the President Xi Jinping held an informal history of bilateral relations. In the same meeting with Indian Prime Minister year, Prime Minister Modi visited China

Chinese President Xi Jinping held an informal meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Wuhan in April 2018.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping held the second informal meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Chennai in October 2019. to attend the SCO Summit in Qingdao Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of and met with President Xi Jinping on the the SCO Summit in Bishkek and the 11th sidelines. The two leaders met again on BRICS Summit. the sidelines of the 10th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg and the G20 Summit in Buenos Aires later in the year. 2020 The year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between 2019 China and India. It is also China-India Year of President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges. The Modi held the second informal meeting in two sides agreed to hold 70 celebratory activ- Chennai, reaffirmed the Wuhan consensus ities to demonstrate the historical connection and agreed to build a closer partnership for between the two civilizations as well as their development, enhance the in-depth stra- growing bilateral relationship over the years, tegic communication, promote mutually and further deepen people-to-people exchanges beneficial cooperation in various fields, between the two countries at all levels, includ- and advance exchanges and mutual learning between their respective legislatures, ing between the two civilizations. In the businesses, academics, cultural and youth orga- same year, President Xi Jinping met with nizations as well as the defense forces.

07 OPENING ESSAY

Charting a New Course for Dragon-Elephant Tango

By Sun Weidong

Let’s take a “dragon-elephant tango” on a glorious journey in the next 70 years.

n April 1, 2020, into the profound changes our two peoples spanning we embraced the of the world unseen in a thousands of years, deepen important moment century. The two countries exchanges and mutual of the 70th anni- have never been as relevant learning between our two Oversary of the establishment as they are today. At this civilizations and add new of diplomatic relations moment, it is particularly dimensions to the way for between China and India. imperative to recall the origi- China and India to explore As the only two emerging nal aspiration of establishing on how to coexist with each countries with a population diplomatic ties 70 years ago other as two major emerging of more than 1 billion in the and carry forward the spirit and neighboring countries. world, China and India shoul- of good-neighborly friendship, China and India are fellow der the historic mission of solidarity and cooperation travelers against all odds. Our national rejuvenation, play a between our two countries. two countries had fought side leading role in the collective From this new chapter, we by side in the national libera- rise of developing countries, should carry forward the tion movement. Independence and inject strong momentum profound friendship between and national rejuvenation are

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Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their visit to an exhibition of cultural relics at Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, capital of central China’s Hubei Province, April 27, 2018. Modi is here for a two-day informal meeting with President Xi Jinping. by Pang Xinglei/Xinhua our common goals and the each other and riding high on were introduced to China, Five Principles of Peaceful the tides of the world’s rapid which became the histori- Coexistence represent our changes and economic devel- cal witnesses of the mutual shared wisdom in contribut- opment. Today, China and exchanges between the two ing to international relations. India respectively rank the sides. Zhang Qian was sent Today, we speak for safe- second and fifth largest econ- on a diplomatic mission to the guarding the legitimate rights omies in the world, accounting Western Regions. Zheng He and interests of developing for half of the Asian economy sailed to the Western Ocean countries, and share common and one fifth of the world seven times and visited India aspiration of building a more economy. Our two countries six times. Originating in India, just and equitable interna- have emerged as important Buddhism thrived in China. tional order. Just as President engines of regional and global Eminent monks like Faxian, Xi Jinping said, if China and economic growth. Xuanzang, Kumarajiva and India speak in one voice, the China and India are prac- Bodhidharma made the whole world will listen. titioners of mutual learning expeditions by crossing China and India are pilots among civilizations. The two over mountains and sailing in the trends of reform and countries have a long history the deep sea. All of them development. In the 1980s of trade and exchange. China’s left touching stories. Today, and 1990s, the two countries papermaking, silk, porcelain people-to-people and cultural embarked on the path of and tea were exported to exchanges between China and economic reform and devel- India, while Indian singing India set off a new wave, with opment one after another. and dancing, astronomy, 14 pairs of sister provinces or We have been learning from architecture and spices cities established and mutual

09 OPENING ESSAY personnel visits exceeding one provided anti-epidemic dona- leader Deng Xiaoping reit- million annually. Tai Chi and tions to India. China and erated the Five Principles of Yoga, Chinese medicine and India have worked together Peaceful Coexistence as guide- Ayurveda, Bollywood films to build a community with a lines of international relations. and Chinese kungfu movies shared future for mankind. The two sides agreed to have gained popularity in In retrospect of the resolve the boundary question each other’s countries. It is a seven-decade journey, China- through peaceful and friendly new chapter of mutual respect India relations have forged consultations and seek a mutu- and harmonious coexistence ahead despite ups and downs, ally acceptable solution and between the two civilizations. and traversed an extraordi- meanwhile, the relations in China and India are part- nary path of development: other fields could be actively ners sailing in the same boat. The first keyword is inde- promoted. Since then, the Facing with the spread of pendence in the 1950s. The bilateral relations had devel- COVID-19 around the world, older-generation leaders of oped in all areas, witnessing China and India are standing the two countries such as frequent mutual visits between side by side and helping with Chairman Mao Zedong and the two leaders and estab- each other, which highlights Prime Minister Jawaharlal lishment of the Strategic and the significance of building Nehru made the historic Cooperative Partnership for a community with a shared decision of establishing diplo- Peace and Prosperity between future for mankind. At the matic ties. India was the China and India. Extraordinary G20 Leaders’ Summit via video link, President Xi Jinping empha- Facing with the spread of COVID-19 around sized that it is imperative for the world, China and India are standing the international community to strengthen confidence, act side by side and helping with each other, with unity and work together which highlights the significance of in a collective response, as the COVID-19 outbreak is building a community with a shared future spreading worldwide. We for mankind. must comprehensively step up international cooperation and foster greater synergy so first non-socialist country to The third one is strategic that humanity as one could establish diplomatic relations communication beginning win the battle against such with China. Premier Zhou in 2013. President Xi Jinping a major infectious disease. Enlai and Prime Minister and Prime Minister Narendra The Indian side echoed these Jawaharlal Nehru exchanged Modi established good work- remarks positively. Indian visits, jointly advocated the ing relations and personal Prime Minister Narendra Five Principles of Peaceful friendship through “home- Modi sent a letter of condo- Coexistence and attended the town diplomacy” in 2014 lence to Chinese President Bandung Conference together. and 2015, respectively. The Xi Jinping, expressing support “Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai” two leaders held two infor- for China’s anti-epidemic (Indian and Chinese people mal summits in Wuhan and efforts. Foreign ministers of are brothers) rang through Chennai in the past two our two countries had two our two countries. years, creating a new model phone calls, and China has The second one is develop- of exchanges between lead- taken the initiative to share ment in the 1980s and beyond. ers. The two sides conducted its experience in epidemic In 1988, Indian Prime Minister strategic communication prevention and control with Rajiv Gandhi embarked on an on overall, long-term and India. Chinese companies and “ice-breaking visit” to China. strategic international and social charity organizations During the visit, Chinese regional issues and agreed

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China-India friendship and passing on the noble spirit of Dr. Kotnis. Third, add impetus to mutually beneficial cooperation. China and India share similar national conditions. Both countries are at the critical stage of economic development, deepening reforms and advancing modernization. Our two economies are highly complementary and mutually beneficial cooperation injects impetus into the development of China and India. The bilateral trade volume has grown from less than US$100 Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) rotates a spinning wheel that was once used million in the 1950s to nearly by Mahatma Gandhi as he visits Gandhi’s former residence along with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) in Gujarat, India, Sept. 17, 2014. Xi US$100 billion today. China Jinping visited the state of Gujarat on Wednesday. by Ma Zhancheng/Xinhua has been India’s largest trading partner for several consecutive years. There is great poten- to strengthen the Closer consensuses. Their roles are tial for bilateral cooperation Developmental Partnership irreplaceable. in medicine, information, between China and India. Second, stay on the general technology, connectivity, envi- China-India relations today trend of friendly cooperation. ronmental protection, poverty are hard-won thanks to the hard China and India have a history reduction governance experi- work and unremitting efforts of friendly exchanges for more ence sharing, etc. of generations. Here are some than two thousand years. The Fourth, strengthen coor- enlightenment and experience friendly cooperation, which has dination in international and that we can draw from it. dominated most of the time, is regional affairs. China and First, adhere to strategic the prevailing theme, through India are important members guidance given by the leaders. which the two peoples have of multilateral organizations Over the past 70 years, lead- forged a profound friendship. and mechanisms such as ers of the two countries have Our joint efforts in combating the BRICS, SCO, G20, WTO, grasped the general direc- the COVID-19 pandemic today and China-Russia-India. We tion of China-India relations reminds me of the great sacri- shoulder the responsibility from a strategic and over- fice made by Dr. Dwarkanath and obligation to ensure the all perspective. They have Kotnis, a member of the Indian legitimate rights and inter- always steered the course medical team to China who ests of developing countries, whenever we joined hands in saved lives in the battlefield speak up for emerging econ- the national liberation move- for the cause of Chinese liber- omies, and forge a fairer and ment in Asia, Africa and Latin ation. We will hold an event to more equitable and rational America, or push bilateral commemorate the 110th birth international order to adapt relations back on track and anniversary of Dr. Kotnis later to the rapid changes of the jointly ushered in the “Asian this year. As the tides of history world landscape. China and Century”; whenever the two roll forward, the waves of India share similar positions leaders conducted “hometown friendship and cooperation are on non-traditional security diplomacy” and informal running ahead. More people, issues such as climate change, summits in recent years and particularly the young gener- energy and food security, and reached a series of strategic ation, are joining the cause of public health. Both countries

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April 27, 2018: Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) shakes hands with visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their visit to an exhibition of cultural relics at Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, Hubei Province. Modi is here for a two-day informal meeting with President Xi Jinping. by Pang Xinglei/Xinhua also share common inter- manage differences and seek a To respect each other’s devel- ests in advancing maritime constructive solution through opment paths and achieve our dialogue, regional connectiv- dialogue and consultation. own development is in itself ity, and “China-India Plus” One of the mechanisms is a contribution to world pros- cooperation. We are both the Special Representatives’ perity and stability. Against seizing the development Meeting on the China-India the backdrop of current inter- opportunities of the fourth Boundary Question through national situation, China and industrial revolution includ- which the political parame- India shoulder increasingly ing 5G, big data and artificial ters and guiding principles for important responsibilities intelligence. All these coor- a boundary settlement were in maintaining global stabil- dination and cooperation agreed upon. For decades, ity and promoting common empower the bilateral rela- not a single bullet has been development. China-India tions to continue to grow. fired across the China-India relations have gone far beyond Fifth, handle the differences border. Our common interests the bilateral scope and are of properly. There are issues far outweigh our differences. global strategic significance. related to boundary and Tibet The two sides should expand Both sides should adhere to left by history between the cooperation and curb negative the basic judgment that China two countries. The evolving factors to break the circle of and India pose no threat but international and regional ups and downs in China-India offer development opportuni- situation has complicated relations and proactively ties to each other. We should impacts on China-India rela- shape bilateral relations. regard each other as a positive tions. The two sides have China and India are import- factor in global change and established mechanisms to ant neighbors to each other. take each other as partners

12 CHINA-INDIA DIALOGUE for realizing the dream of consolidate and deepen the national rejuvenation, which development. Both China and basic judgment that China and is an integral component of India stand for an indepen- India are partners rather than building a community with a dent foreign policy. We should rivals, representing opportu- shared future for mankind. correctly analyze and view nities rather than threats to There are four keys we each other’s strategic inten- each other. should hold to figure out how tions with a positive, open and Focusing on cooperation is major emerging and neigh- inclusive attitude. We should the approach. The two sides boring countries like China reject zero-sum games, not should actively seek conver- and India coexist with each target any third party, and gence of interests, seize all other: To guide the direction not impede the development opportunities for cooperation, of bilateral relations through of relations with other coun- and achieve mutual bene- highlighting the informal tries. We should continue to fit and win-win results by summits and reaching consen- push for a new type of inter- making the pie of cooperation sus; To translate the consensus national relations guided by even bigger. By doing so, we into tangible cooperation and the Five Principles of Peaceful can continue to accumulate outcomes through transmis- Coexistence. positive energy for the devel- sion of the leaders’ consensus China-India relations opment of bilateral relations. to all levels; To shape bilateral stand at a new starting Managing differences relations and accumulate posi- point now and usher in new is the assurance. The two tive momentum through going beyond the mode of managing differences; To achieve The two sides should reduce the negative list common development through and not allow differences to interfere with strengthening exchanges and cooperation and promoting bilateral relations and even become disputes. convergence of interests. Both President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister opportunities. The rise of sides should always bear in Narendra Modi mentioned China and India will have mind the overall picture of the dictum “the whole world a far-reaching impact on bilateral relations, put differ- is but a family,” which is simi- the world. We should seek ences in appropriate places lar to the Chinese philosophy wisdom from thousands of and deal with them properly. of “universal harmony in the years of our two civiliza- The two sides should reduce world.” The ancient Oriental tions to explore a way for the negative list and not wisdom is still showing vital- the two major emerging and allow differences to interfere ity today. I am confident that neighboring countries to with bilateral relations and China and India have the get along with each other in even become disputes. vision and capacity to blaze a the direction of “enhancing Seeking common develop- path for the two major emerg- mutual trust, focusing on ment is the direction. China ing neighbors to amicably cooperation, managing differ- hopes itself will develop well get along with each other. ences and seeking common and wishes India the same. Let’s take a “dragon-elephant development.” Seeking common development tango” on a glorious journey Enhancing mutual trust is is conducive to stability and in the next 70 years, and write the foundation. Only through prosperity of the region and a new chapter in building a mutual respect, consultation the world at large. China and community with a shared on an equal footing, open- India should join hands with future for mankind. ness and mutual trust can other developing countries the two sides correctly view in winning the marathon of each other’s development achieving economic develop- intentions, and subsequently ment, people’s happiness and The author is Chinese Ambassador to India.

13 OPENING ESSAY

Sino-Indian Relations at 70: Reinforcing Growth and Stability

By Srikanth Kondapalli

As the two most populous countries in Asia, with huge territories, resources, economies and stakes in regional and international affairs, their roles in the global arena have been exemplary.

s China and India resources, economies and respective nation building celebrate the 70th stakes in regional and inter- processes. Despite several anniversary of the national affairs, their roles setbacks in the past, India establishment of in the global arena have been and China have respectively theirA diplomatic ties this year, exemplary. become the 6th and 2nd larg- it is natural to raise issues Soon after the decoloniza- est economies in the world related to their experience, tion process began, India and today. These “simultaneously prospects and challenges in China showed solidarity with rising” countries are today bilateral relations. As the two the Afro-Asian unity process, engaged in an intense debate most populous countries in non-alignment, South-South about future prospects. Asia, with huge territories, cooperation and began their As important stakeholders

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in globalization, China and India today see their coordination in several political and economic multilateral institutions like the United Nations, BRICS, Shanghai Cooperation Sino-Indian Relations at 70: Organization, G20, World Trade Organization, climate change proposals and Reinforcing Growth Bretton Woods institutions as mutually reinforcing and reassuring partners given and Stability their focus on socio-economic developmental imperatives. For instance, coordination between BRICS countries led to July 26, 2018: The 10th BRICS summit is held in Johannesburg, South Africa. an increase in the voting rights Chinese President Xi Jinping (second left), Brazilian President Michel for China and India at the Temer (ﬁrst right), Russian President Vladimir Putin (second right), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (ﬁrst left) and South African President Cyril International Monetary Fund. Ramaphosa pose for a group photo during the plenary session of the summit Likewise, the coordination of in Johannesburg. by Xie Huanchi/Xinhua China and India and others on climate change proposals at the Copenhagen meeting in 2009 turbulence in recent times 2018 and in Chennai in October led to protection of interests from trade protectionism, 2019 have become an institu- of developing countries and tariff increases and techno- tionalized mechanism, which the formulation of “equal, but logical disruptions or due is currently the top avenue to differentiated, responsibilities” to the spread of terrorism reach strategic consensus on on the issue. Also, a focus on and the current COVID-19 a number of issues between multi-polarity has protected pandemic, the Sino-Indian China and India. Moreover, the the “non-interference” princi- partnership is shown in their two countries have been able ple at the United Nations and coordination and cooperation to carry out very useful high- other institutions and guarded in regional and interna- level strategic communication. the respective sovereignties of tional affairs. Indeed, how to They declared that “differences China and India. counter such disruptions and between the two countries At the bilateral level, both continue to boost economic should not lead to disputes,” countries see the evolving part- growth has been a major task suggesting that the leadership’s nership as a factor in regional for their respective leadership. intervention in times of crisis and global stability given the China and India have been could be resorted to. increasing turbulence in recent able to achieve stability in The State Councilor- times. The partnership between their bilateral relations on National Security Advisor China and India evolved from three levels. Firstly, due to level special representative the Five Principles of Peaceful institutional arrangements at mechanism since 2003 has Coexistence in 1954 to a various levels, bilateral rela- prepared the ground for constructive cooperative part- tions have bounced back to discussing not only bound- nership in 1988, a strategic and normalcy and stability. Over ary question but also overall cooperative partnership in 2005 50 dialogue mechanisms have security issues. So far, 22 and to the current developmen- been established in the past such meetings have been tal partnership since Chinese several decades. held, which aim to resolve President Xi Jinping’s visit to The two “informal summits” the China-India boundary New Delhi in September 2014. between leaders of the two question in three phases. The As the world went through countries in Wuhan in April mechanism is to clarify the

15 OPENING ESSAY

Line of Actual Control in the during Chinese Foreign national security, such joint border areas. Once that is Minister Wang Yi’s visit military exercises are expected done, after the completion of to New Delhi, this mecha- to intensify in the near future. the third phase, delimitation nism was further upgraded As the two largest devel- and demarcation efforts on to include broader issues of oping economies, China and the borders will commence. concern and coordination. India hold regular strategic Likewise, the strate- The defense ministries of and economic dialogues, gic dialogue mechanism China and India have held of which six meetings between foreign minis- an annual dialogue since the were held between China’s tries of the two countries mechanism was established National Development and has provided an avenue for in 2006. In order to build Reform Commission and discussing and coordinating understanding between the India’s Planning Commission a number of foreign policy two armed forces, such annual (currently NITI Aayog). issues of multi-polarity and dialogues became necessary, They have reached a number multilateralism but also the and through this mechanism of agreements related to resolving bilateral prob- eight “hand-in-hand” joint macroeconomic stability and lems. The regional security drills were conducted in explored avenues for infra- dialogues on Afghanistan, different parts of India and structure development. Southeast Asia, Central Asia China with focus on count- China and India are the and others have been condu- er-terrorism. Since both two largest investors in cive to reaching important countries identify terrorism as the recently formed Asian consensuses. In August 2016, a challenge to their respective Infrastructure Investment

August 17, 2019: The “India Day” event kicks off at the Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition in Beijing. by Zhang Chenlin/Xinhua

16 CHINA-INDIA DIALOGUE

Bank and equal stakeholders in mechanisms that have been ties, a number of events have the BRICS New Development evolved over a period of time been planned for this year, Bank. Both have been propos- is related to the boundary with 35 events to be held in ing above-board banking question between China and each country. Many of these principles like one country one India. Prior to the normaliza- come under the rubric of vote, professional evaluation of tion of China-India relations in “10 pillars” of cooperation loan proposals, environmental 1976, after the border conflict agreed by the two countries concerns, investing in social in 1962, there were sporadic in December 2018. These and health sectors, lean and attempts to build confidence include think tank meetings mean staffing policies, and between the two countries’ and media forums (four of others that are expected to border guarding troops. In each have been held so far), as contribute to a new model of 1993, a “peace and tranquility” well as 14 sets of sister cities developmental and monetary agreement was signed that tie-ups in the two countries, policies in the future. ruled out war between China 14 youth exchanges annually Other dialogue mechanisms and India. During President that began in 2006 and have existing between the two Jiang Zemin’s visit to India recently been expanded, countries involve counter-ter- in 1996, confidence-build- promotion of tourism through rorism, law enforcement, ing measures (CBMs) in the e-visas and others, collabo- human resources development, military field were proposed ration between film and TV finance and others. The nine to stabilize the border areas establishments, museum financial dialogues between of the two countries. These administration, conducting the two countries have led to included no-fly zones, no yoga classes, and recruiting preliminary understanding military exercises close to the Chinese language teachers for on regional currency-related border areas, withdrawal of enhancing skills. arrangements that is being troops and others. With the outbreak of practiced among BRICS In 2013, a border defense COVID-19, such celebrations countries. Necessary banking cooperation agreement was are expected to slow down as institutions are being set up to signed to avoid “tailing” of the focus has been on travel finance credit for the burgeon- border patrols. In September restrictions, social distancing, ing trade between the two 2017, during their meeting in quarantine and treatment of countries. Likewise, 11 joint Xiamen, Chinese and Indian patients. Nevertheless, Indian working group meetings were leaders made an announce- medical officials participated held to expand their economic ment for a new set of CBMs, in the China-initiated online relations. Bilateral trade including a “hotline” between video conference for the increased from a mere US$264 the two countries’ military Eurasia-South Asia region million in 1991 to US$92 billion operational commands. that began consultations on in 2019. A “steel dialogue” Despite occasional border learning from each other’s was instrumental in expand- incidents, the above CBMs medical experience in tack- ing cooperation on one of the were able to put bilateral rela- ling the spread of COVID-19. largest traded commodities tions back on an even keel and These initiatives of China between the two countries. as such provided for border and India, nevertheless, All the above dialogue stability. The significance are significant in enhanc- mechanisms have been useful of this dimension cannot be ing mutual understanding and, in tense situations, have underestimated as these have between the two contrices. led to ironing out differences led to not one bullet being More, of course, will be needed and building stability in their fired since 1962 and ushering in the coming years. bilateral relations. Moreover, in peace and tranquility on they have sparked interest the borders. in looking beyond the mere To celebrate the 70th anni- bilateral spectrum. versary of the establishment The author is a professor in Chinese studies A second set of stabilizing of China-India diplomatic at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

17 COMMENT

The Development of China-India relations in Recent 70 Years

By Chen Zonghai

The 24 mutual visits by heads of state and government testify to the changing relations between China and India.

hina and India, China and India have shifted to 1959 when disputes between two civilizational through five phases known the two countries emerged, the giants, are riding as the honeymoon period honeymoon period featured a wave of the (1950-1959), the confron- three visits by leaders from Cprofound changes unseen in tation period (1959-1976), both sides. In June 1954, a century. The two countries the normalization period Chinese Premier and Foreign are neighbors, important play- (1976-2000), the strategic Minister Zhou Enlai made a ers on multilateral platforms and cooperative partner- formal visit to India to clarify and both major developing ship period (2000-2013) and and settle the Five Principles countries, and their rela- today’s close partnership of Peaceful Coexistence reiter- tionship reflects all of these period since 2013. Myriad ated by the Joint Statement of factors. Over the past seven events happened over the Chinese and Indian Premiers. decades, China-India relations past 70 years. Among them, In October of the same have continued progressing the 24 dedicated visits by year, Indian Prime Minister despite ups and downs. To heads of state and govern- Jawaharlal Nehru visited catch a glimpse of the future, ment of the two countries to China and met with Chairman it is helpful to reflect on the the other side best testify to Mao Zedong four times. The history of their relationship. the changes in the relations two visits boosted the relations between China and India. between China and India to new heights. In November and 24 VISITS December of 1956, Premier Since the establishment of HONEYMOON PERIOD Zhou Enlai made his second their diplomatic ties on April From 1950 when their diplo- visit to India, which inspired 1, 1950, relations between matic relations were established the slogan “Hindi Chini Bhai

18 CHINA-INDIA DIALOGUE

Bhai” (India and China are NORMALIZATION PERIOD groundbreaking role in boosting brothers). The mid-1950s were In 1976, relations between and reconstructing bilateral ties. regarded as the height of “the China and India returned In May 1992, Indian honeymoon period” of China- to normal as they resumed President Ramaswamy India relations. ambassadorial ties. Between Venkataraman made a state 1976 and 2000 when the two visit to China, the first by countries jointly celebrated an Indian president. In CONFRONTATION PERIOD the 50th anniversary of the September 1993, Indian Prime By 1959, the Tibet issue establishment of diplomatic Minister Narasimha Rao made and the boundary question ties, heads of government from a formal visit to China during pushed China and India into both sides exchanged visits which the two sides inked the open disagreement. Intimacy five times. In December 1988, Agreement on the Maintenance deteriorated into hostility, and Indian Prime Minister Rajiv of Peace and Tranquility along the border conflict eventually Gandhi overcame obstruction the Line of Actual Control in the erupted in full confrontation. of the “parallel policy” to pay a India-China Border Areas. During this period, just one historic formal visit to China. From November 28 to visit by a head of govern- It was the first time that an December 1, 1996, then Chinese ment happened between the Indian head of govemment President Jiang Zemin made two countries. In April 1960, visited China since Jawaharlal a state visit to India, the first Premier Zhou made his third Nehru 34 years earlier. by a Chinese president, during and final visit to India to In December 1991, Chinese which the two sides established discuss the boundary ques- Premier Li Peng made a formal a “constructive partnership of tion with Jawaharlal Nehru, visit to India, the first by a cooperation oriented towards but it remained unsettled Chinese premier since Zhou the 21st century” and signed the after seven meetings. After in 1960. These two visits by Agreement between India and the outbreak of a one-month heads of government of the China on Confidence-Building border conflict between the two countries happened in the Measures in the Military Field two countries in 1962, bilat- global context of the collapse of along the Line of Actual Control eral relations maintained a Soviet Union and the breakup in the India-China Border Areas. long-term standoff until 1976. of a bi-polar world and played a Moreover, the two border agreements signed in 1993 and 1996 respectively provided international legal guarantees to maintain peace on the border of China and India.

STRATEGIC AND COOPERATIVE PARTNERSHIP During the period from 2000 when China and India celebrated the 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties up to the Chinese premier’s 2013 visit to India, eight visits of heads of government were made between the February 28, 2010: A Chinese passenger (left) receives a bouquet and a two countries. From May 28 to gift as the Flight CA425 arrives in Bangalore, known as the Silicon Valley of June 2, 2000, Indian President India. The arrival of the fight marked the official opening of the Chengdu- Bangalore international air route, the first flight from the Chinese mainland Kocheril Narayanan made a to Bangalore. by Mao Xiaoxiao/Xinhua state visit to China, the first

19 COMMENT visit to Beijing by an Indian In November 2006, then India for his first outbound visit, leader since the setback in Chinese President Hu Jintao highlighting how important bilateral relations caused by made a formal visit to India the new Chinese administra- India’s nuclear test in 1998. and the two sides agreed that tion considered China-India In January 2002, then comprehensive economic and relations. In October of the Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji trade relations were the core same year, Indian Prime made a formal visit to India. of their strategic and cooper- Minister Manmohan Singh India reframed its attitude ative partnership. In January paid a formal visit to China. It about China, moving past the 2008, Indian Prime Minister was the first time since 1954 “China threat” prejudice to Manmohan Singh made a that the premiers from the two embrace China as a neigh- formal visit to China, during countries exchanged visits in bor and friend. In June 2003, which the two sides signed the same year. Indian Prime Minister Bihari A Shared Vision for the 21st In September 2014, Chinese Vajpayee made a formal visit to Century. President Xi Jinping paid a China, and the two sides signed In May 2010, Indian President state visit to India, emphasiz- 10 cooperative documents Pratibha Patil made a formal ing that “development is the including the Declaration on state visit to China and called biggest common strategic goal Principles for Relations and mutual learning and commu- of the two countries.” China Comprehensive Cooperation nication a “cornerstone” to and India agreed to develop “a between China and India, which strengthening friendship closer developmental partner- provided political solutions for between the two countries. In ship” that would be “a core Tibet and Sikkim issues. December of the same year, then component” of their strategic In April 2005, Chinese Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and cooperative partnership. Premier Wen Jiabao made a visited India, during which he Since then, the two countries formal visit to India. The two agreed with his Indian counter- have focused on a devel- sides established a strategic part that China-India relations opment partnership while and cooperative partnership had gone beyond the bilateral paying attention to a strategic for peace and prosperity scope and had global and strate- and cooperative partnership. and signed the Agreement gic significance, so they decided In May 2015, Indian Prime on the Political Parameters to set up a regular mutual visit Minister Narendra Modi visited and Guiding Principles for the mechanism of heads of state and China, and the two sides agreed Settlement of the India-China government between the two that the simultaneous rise of Boundary Question and the countries. The same year, the China and India provided an Protocol on Modalities for the Chinese premier and the Indian important opportunity to real- Implementation of Confidence president exchanged visits. ize the Asian Century. In May Building Measures in the 2016, Indian President Pranab Military Field along the Line Mukherjee visited China, of Actual Control in the India- CLOSER DEVELOPMENT and the two sides agreed to China Border Areas. Since PARTNERSHIP strengthen cultural exchange then, China-India relations Since 2013, China and India and mutual understanding to evolved from a constructive have endeavored to develop a construct a closer development cooperative partnership to closer partnership for devel- partnership. In 2017, the 72-day a strategic and cooperative opment. The period from Dong Lang (Doklam) standoff partnership, marking the first 2013 when Chinese Premier interrupted visits by the heads bilateral step of the three- Li Keqiang visited India to of state and government of the step roadmap to solve the April 1, 2020 witnessed seven two countries. In April 2018, China-India boundary ques- exchange visits by heads of Chinese President Xi Jinping tion. (The three steps include state and government from the held an informal meeting agreeing on guiding princi- two countries. In May 2013, with Indian Prime Minister ples, deciding the framework, newly-appointed Chinese Narendra Modi in Wuhan. The and drawing the actual line.) Premier Li Keqiang headed to two sides agreed to “blaze a

20 CHINA-INDIA DIALOGUE broad path of friendly cooper- by Chinese leaders and 12 by of China. Since Prime Minister ation between the two great their Indian counterparts Narendra Modi took office, his neighboring countries, a path – reflecting the principle of administration has been dedi- that can best meet the needs “diplomatic equivalence.” The cated to making India a strong, of the times” and “strengthen 50 years before 2000 brought developed, inclusive and modern the China-India closer develop- nine mutual visits. But the country by following a blueprint mental partnership in an equal- first 20 years of this century for a “new India” by 2022 and footed, mutually beneficial and saw 15. The rapidly increasing its 15-year development plan. sustainable manner to support frequency of high-level mutual Both China and India are now national modernization.” visits in the 21st century high- marching towards modern- In October 2019, Chinese lights the positive development ization and the realization of President Xi Jinping visited the trend of relations between the their strategic goals of national southern Indian city of Chennai two countries. rejuvenation. So, at their two for the second informal meeting After achieving indepen- informal meetings in 2018 and with Indian Prime Minister dence, both China and India 2019, leaders of the two coun- Narendra Modi. The two lead- have strived for modernization tries reached two tremendously ers agreed that China and India by transforming from tradi- important consensuses: First, should respect and learn from tional to modern society. The to support each other’s national each other to jointly achieve modernization that the two modernization. Second, to common development and countries pursue is driven by achieve the great rejuvenation prosperity and the great rejuve- industrial development and of both civilizations. nation of the two civilizations. technological revolution, which Today, the world is undergo- On April 1, 2020, to celebrate will transform either country ing profound changes unseen the 70th anniversary of the from an agricultural soci- in a century. Maintaining establishment of diplomatic ties, ety into an industrial society rapid growth, China and Chinese President Xi Jinping and allow industrialism to India are riding the tide and and Indian President Ram Nath penetrate fields of economics, pushing global reform. The Kovind exchanged greetings, politics, culture, and innovation modernization of China and as did Chinese Premier Li to produce profound reforms of India, the advancement of Keqiang and his Indian coun- social organizations and social their civilizational revival terpart Narendra Modi. Both behavior. Since the 1990s, the and the depth of their coop- sides agreed to “construct a world has welcomed the fourth eration and development will closer development partner- technological revolution based determine the advent of the ship” and “constantly push for on the internet. Accordingly, Asian Century. To jointly new achievements in China- great changes have taken place build the Asian Century of India strategic and cooperative in the landscape of China’s world civilization, a commu- partnership.” and India’s modernization, nity with a shared future for which associate information Asia and a community with technology, industrialization, a shared future for human- CONSENSUS ON COOPERATION and urbanization closely with ity, China and India need to Interactions between China modernization. actively construct a closer and India can run as rapid as National modernization and development partnership the Yarlung Zangbo River or civilizational revival are both and constantly strive for new sit as inert as the Himalayas. countries’ strategic goals and fruits in China-India strategic And mutual visits by heads of core interests. This is also a and cooperative partnership state and government testify to consensus reached by the two while advancing their respec- the ups and downs in relations countries. As socialism with tive modernization. between the two countries. Chinese characteristics enters Since 1950, top leaders from into a new era, rejuvenation of

China and India made 24 the Chinese nation is the highest The author is a professor at the School of special exchange visits – 12 and most fundamental interest Marxism of Beijing Institute of Technology.

21 COMMENT

Time to Tap Potential

By Josukutty C. A

The two countries should make more rigorous efforts to exploit available opportunities for greater mutual benefits since there is tremendous potential for cooperation.

ndia and China have measures. Now it is realized modern states in the late coexisted peacefully that the overall relationship 1940s, the magnitude of their for thousands of years. between India and China has cooperation has been well In the late 1940s, both to be one of friendship and below its potential. countriesI desired for a friendly not hostility. The Panchsheel Agreement relationship and started on The important lesson is signed between India and the cordial note of ‘Hindi that merely managing the China in 1954 provided the Chini Bhai Bhai’ (Indians relationship would leave the finest framework for the and Chinese are brothers). potential of mutual benefits bilateral relationship, but the The ideological congruence, untapped, which is not in the initial enthusiasm for each however, gave way to a series interest of either China and other as fraternal entities of ups and downs, diminish- India or the world. The two withered in 1962. Border ing productive cooperation countries should make more issues clouded the relationship between the two. The ups and rigorous efforts to exploit despite many rounds of talks downs represented parallel available opportunities for of special representatives and streams of competition and greater mutual benefits since joint working groups. Bilateral cooperation. Gradually, their there is tremendous potential trade and investment between relationship shifted to a mode for cooperation. the two economies have been of keeping the differences meager compared to many of from spiraling out of control China’s other smaller neigh- rather than exploiting the NATURE AND SCOPE OF bors such as South Korea and potential avenues for greater COOPERATION Vietnam, and the imbalance engagement and mutual As two great civilizational of trade has been a source of benefit. The atmosphere of entities, India and China bickering. People-to-people uncertainty in the relation- have been connected, and contact is also minimal – ship put the brakes on much- yet disconnected. Even after Indian tourists to China needed confidence building India and China became number about 700,000 per

22 CHINA-INDIA DIALOGUE year and Chinese tourists to India are only about 200,000 per year, a mere fraction of their outbound tourists. Only a small core of academics and students study each other’s languages and cultures. These issues need to be addressed in the spirit of mutual understanding and give-and-take. The potential for economic engagement between India and China is unlimited. Their bilateral trade per year stands around US$100 billion. For China, India presents a huge market with long- June 20, 2016: Indian pilgrims enter China’s Tibet Autonomous Region via the Nathu La Pass for a pilgrimage. On June 22, 2015, China opened a new term growth potential and route along the Himalayan Nathu La Pass for Indian pilgrims to further abundant opportunities for promote religious exchanges between the two countries. Xinhua partnership and enterprises. India’s strength in market- ing, management, consulting, The bilateral relations can these challenges. India and information technology, be wired at different levels by China can also work together pharmacological sciences and focusing on commonalties. in research and development medicare are complemen- India and China are devel- as both countries have quality tary to China’s skill-sets in oping countries with similar talent in science and tech- manufacturing and innova- problems including high nology, pertaining to green tion. Besides, India has huge disease load, environmen- technology, better use of demand for infrastructure tal pollution, water stress, water resources, development – roads, ports and other trans- soil erosion, adverse sex of pollution-free cars and port facilities – and China has ratios, and high social secu- vaccines for deadly diseases. the money and expertise for rity burdens. Global threats At the same time, there is the projects. such as pandemics, climate a need to dispel the misper- Unlike some regions of change, ocean acidification, ceptions and change the the world mired in multi- energy crises and others are attitudes of people in both ple complexities, for China, almost equally deleterious to countries towards each other. investment in India is a safe the developmental demands Perceptional divergences on bet, geographically proximate of the two countries. Piracy, geopolitical issues have created with its huge market, financial terrorism, cyber-crime, and unfriendly images in the minds infrastructure, justice system problems related to intellec- of the two peoples. Historically, and political stability. The tual property regimes and Indian and Chinese civiliza- relocation of the mass manu- use of big data also present tions respected differences and facturing sectors in Asia, challenges that prompt India coexisted peacefully for thou- like textiles, toys, garments, and China to work together. sands of years. Their tradition and leather goods, could There is an immense scope of respecting diversity and ameliorate India’s severe for India and China to collab- striving for harmony implies unemployment situation. Both orate in adopting a common the need to play down the countries should make good position in negotiating with differences and build on the use of the immense economic the West and sharing their commonalities. opportunities. experience in addressing

23 COMMENT

TOWARD AN ASIAN CENTURY peacefully through dialogues between India and China The simultaneous rise of and consultations, and jointly along with willing partners India and China is the most uphold regional peace, stabil- is essential to keep Western significant development of ity and prosperity. hegemonic influence at bay global politics in the 21st As of now, however, the in Asia. Only collaborative century. It is imperative that growing presence of China endeavors and the co-emer- the two countries cooperate in South Asia is viewed by gence of India and China will in multiple dimensions and India as a security threat lead to the realization of the maintain mutually benefi- while India’s growing strate- Asian Century. cial relations for the Asian gic and defense cooperation India and China, as major Century. The late Indian with the United States in the political and economic actors, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Indo-Pacific is perceived as have far-reaching impacts on Vajpayee emphasized two an unfriendly act to contain global governance. Generally, decades ago: “The 21st China. Although India and the rise and decline of major century will become the China have common views on global political players are Century of Asia if China and a multilateral and inclusive characterized by instability, India can build a stable and world order, they eminently turbulence and even conflict. lasting relationship.” It is lack ground-level cooperative Both countries take an the responsibility of the two efforts. Therefore, intensive accommodative approach to countries to resolve disputes and extensive cooperation global governance as they are

March 12, 2019: A visitor taking a photo at a children’s painting exhibition themed on “The World in Children’s Eyes” held by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan. Xinhua

24 CHINA-INDIA DIALOGUE

August 17, 2019: A staff member of the India Pavilion shows the ancient body art of henna tattooing to a Chinese visitor during the “India Day” event at the Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition. Henna tattoos, using natural ingredients, can remain for a few days to a few weeks on human body. Xinhua willing to work with existing and China have jointly raised interests of both countries at institutions and improve them their voices and concerns. regional and global levels. It through evolutionary means India also works with China is time for India and China rather than revolutionary and other maritime actors to to let go of the baggage changes, pursuing a demo- enhance regional connectivity of the past to begin more cratic, equitable and inclusive through improved maritime meaningful cooperation for world order. cooperation for ensuring mutual benefits. The uncer- Sharing common inter- effective humanitarian and tainties in the relationship ests, India and China have disaster relief operations in could be overcome through worked together in a range the Indian Ocean region. deeper understanding and of multilateral and regional India and China are two improved public perception forums including the World modern states with multi- of each other. That would be Trade Organization, the G20, faceted convergences and the best tribute to the 70th the Shanghai Cooperation divergences. The bilateral anniversary of India-China Organization, the BRICS relationship is characterized diplomatic ties. New Development Bank, by cooperation and competi- and the Asian Infrastructure tion. Though there are a few Investment Bank where India complex issues between the has become the second-larg- two, there is immense room est investor after China. On for their economic, diplomatic The author is an associate professor and director of the Survey Research Center issues of climate change and and cultural ties to grow for under the Department of Political Science, global financial reforms, India the strategic and geopolitical University of Kerala.

25 STRATEGY

Road Ahead: Building New Relations

By Lin Minwang

The experiences and lessons of the seven decades since China and India established diplomatic ties provide an enlightening roadmap for future development of their peaceful and stable relations.

pril 1 of this year upgraded in both content are becoming more popular marked the 70th and form. The two countries with Chinese consumers. anniversary of the have carried out compre- The simultaneous rise of establishment of hensive cooperation and the economies of China and theA diplomatic ties between communication in the fields India since the end of the Cold China and India. Over the of politics, economics, trade, War has deepened friendship past seven decades, the rela- security, defense and culture between the two countries. tionship between the two and successively set up Their relationship now tran- countries has seen many ups more than 30 correspond- scends a bilateral scope as the and downs. ing dialogue mechanisms. duo continue increasing their In the 1950s, relations More importantly, high-level strategic influence on the between the two coun- leaders of the two countries global stage. But, if they want tries were so intimate that have maintained regular to reinforce their relations they behaved like brothers and comprehensive contacts. and construct a framework to (“Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai”). Notably, the year 2018 maintain stable cooperation, Unfortunately, the 1962 witnessed an informal meet- the two countries still have border conflict led to a serious ing between leaders of the much work to do. setback in bilateral rela- two countries. This meeting tions, which didn’t return to is expected to become a regu- normalization until the late lar strategic communication CHANGING FOUNDATIONS OF 1980s. The end of the Cold mechanism. People-to-people CHINA-INDIA RELATIONS War injected new impetus exchanges have become more When looking back at the into the overall improvement frequent as more Indian history for guidance on the and rapid development of students are choosing to study future of the relations between the two countries’ relations, in China and Indian films and the two countries, it is critical which were enriched and cultural products such as yoga to realize that the strategic

26 CHINA-INDIA DIALOGUE

for global status and regional influence. Another great change involves India’s diplomatic philosophy. Traditionally, India had always upheld the principle of “non-alignment.” Even in 2012, some important think tanks in India were proposing a 2.0 version of the non-alignment policy despite the fact that India had deviated from the diplomatic tradition as early as in

the period of Indira Gandhi. October 24, 2013: Then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh delivers a speech at the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party After Narendra Modi came of China in Beijing. China News Service to power, India declared it would pursue “multi-alignment,” which caused stark foundation of their relations second-largest economy in changes in its diplomatic has seen significant changes. 2011. If calculated by purchas- behavior highlighted by the Accordingly, relations between ing power parity (PPP), the establishment of diplomatic the two countries, based on economic aggregates of China relations with Israel and history, are facing a reshaping and India rank first and third, tighter economic connections moment. respectively. After Prime to East Asian countries. While The most obvious change Minister Narendra Modi took greatly improving relations is that both countries have office, India’s GDP growth rate with countries in the “U.S. achieved remarkable economic surpassed that of China slightly circle of friends,” India has to rise and ranked among the for three successive years from some degree distanced itself leading economies around the 2015 to 2017. But their overall from traditional strategic world. But meanwhile, devel- strength gap stands to remain partners such as Russia. The opment gaps between them for a long time. United States and India are have enlarged. In 1978 when India is not the same as it moving towards becoming China just started its reform was in decades past. Relations “natural allies” in defense. and opening up, the two coun- between China and India will Since Prime Minister Modi tries’ economic aggregates surely be reshaped around this took office, interoperability were similar, with India’s reality. Considering its current between U.S. and Indian nominal GDP ranking 12th and strength, India has behaved armies has been greatly China’s GDP ranking 11th in more like a major country in enhanced. The two countries the world. In 1991 when India diplomacy and is pursuing carry out frequent maritime began its economic reform, a corresponding status. In drills and their armed forces China’s economic aggregate foreign affairs, the country has have established a joint drill was 1.4 times higher than that displayed nationalistic trends mechanism. Additionally, of India, with India’s nominal and a tough-guy stance towards the two countries succes- GDP ranking 17th and China’s neighboring countries in South sively signed the Logistics GDP still ranking 11th. By 2019, Asia as well as the United Exchange Memorandum of China’s economic aggregate States and China. The strategic Agreement (LEMOA) and the was about five times of that of focus of China’s foreign policies Communications Compatibility India. That year, India became has also shifted to its neighbor- and Security Agreement the fifth-largest economy after ing countries. Such factors have (COMCASA). In February China became the world’s increased their competition 2020, when U.S. President

27 STRATEGY

Donald Trump visited India, to such common interests, It is normal for China and the two sides promised to relations between the two India, as neighboring coun- sign the Basic Exchange and countries can move forward tries, to encounter disputes Cooperation Agreement for despite ups and downs. left by history. But the two Geo-spatial Cooperation The biggest common inter- sides need to properly manage (BECA) as soon as possible. est between China and India these old thorny problems India gradually shifted is people’s livelihood. Both and constantly seek new solu- from “pro-Soviet” under its countries are dedicated to tions. Only shrinking the list “non-alignment” policy to improving the wellbeing of disputes will ensure their “pro-America” and “close to of their peoples. Although bilateral relations are not America.” This change was both countries have made disturbed by some incidents. motivated by its enlarging breakthroughs in economic Certainly, the two coun- strength gap with China and aggregates, they are still tries should set standards increasingly closer connec- developing countries in terms on getting along. Only when tion between China and of per capita wealth and both China and India agree that “a Russia, which resulted in are endeavoring to achieve close neighbor is better than Russia no longer balancing long-term economic growth. a distant relative” and “a good China for India. Furthermore, In the current global context, neighbor is more precious the foundation of values the common interests of the than gold” will they build and cultural identity that two countries are greatly substantial strategic trust. once bound China and India expanding. The United States As the two largest devel- has been weakened. In the has lost confidence in global- oping countries in the world, mid-20th century, China and ization, labeling it a sort of the only choice for China and India supported each other “poison” and rolling back India is to choreograph “the and shared a similar dream many of its efforts to support dragon and the elephant danc- of prosperity after indepen- it. But China and India share ing together,” which aligns dence from colonial rule. high convergence on global- with the most fundamental Culturally, both China and ization trends. Based on its interests of the two countries India are ancient countries development experience, and their peoples. China and with rich civilizations that China considers globaliza- India must learn from the have nurtured a natural spiri- tion the basic condition for experiences and lessons of tual connection. As memories its economic miracle. India’s the past seven decades since of colonialism have become economic rise also happened they established diplomatic more distant, the consen- after the end of the Cold War ties, which will provide an sus against colonialism and and has been accelerated by enlightening roadmap for hegemony that aligned the the globalization process. So peaceful and stable relations countries so closely in the past both China and India continue between the two countries as has drifted away. Ideological to advocate and promote they blaze a trail of win-win differences between the two globalization. But, the two cooperation. As China and countries are growing. countries have yet to devise India pursue national renewal an ideal method to trans- simultaneously, the pair will form their common ground expertly take rule-based, BUILDING NEW RELATIONS into practical fruits through restrained and careful steps Though both the strategic economic cooperation. to ensure “the dragon and the and value foundations for the While engaging in practical elephant dance together.” relations between China and cooperation, China and India India have changed, the two need to properly manage major developing countries their disagreements and with similar national condi- avoid collapsing into conflict. tions still share extensive This also meets the common The author is a researcher at the Institute common interests. Thanks interests of both countries. of International Studies, Fudan University.

28 CHINA-INDIA DIALOGUE

Strengthening China-India Ties Through Cultural and People-to-people Contacts

By Dr. Vikash Singh

Even though India and China follow different models of governance, their objectives are the same.

020 is indeed a special year for the world’s two largest developing countries and2 emerging economies. China and India as the two countries, bound by a growing convergence of perspectives, are now celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations throughout the year by desig- nating this historic moment as the China-India Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges. Surely, it is more gratifying and energizing to see that cultural and people- to-people contacts, which were earlier sideshows in April 18, 2019: The ﬁfth Maritime Silk Road Brands Expo opens in Shishi official India-China talks, of Quanzhou City, in southeastern China’s Fujian Province. A total of 340 exhibitors from 48 countries and regions participate in the expo. Pictured is are now moving to the fore- an Indian merchant (left) introducing Indian crafts to a customer. by Song front of bilateral relations Weiwei/Xinhua

29 STRATEGY empowering further cultural of unbroken interaction” and of both nations had visited exchanges in recent years. people-to-people exchanges each other in ancient times There is no doubt that India to facilitate mutual learning, to enhance the development and China can make the world setting a perfect example of civi- of the two great civiliza- a more dynamic and prosper- lizational cooperation against tions. Towering snow-capped ous place with the realization the so-called “clash of civiliza- mountains and a vast expanse of the “Dragon-Elephant tions.” Truly, in the context of of desert have never blocked Tango” by the participation Sino-Indian relations, cultural the exchanges between of the two peoples residing on and people-to-people exchanges our two great civilizations. either side of the Himalayas. have been stitching the two Buddhism was introduced to India and China are both neighboring countries in similar China from its cradle in India. ancient civilizations with their joy and gusto. In the 7th century, Chinese cultural influences making We cannot but feel marvel- pilgrim and scholar-monk outstanding contributions to ous if we look back to take Xuan Zang, also known as the world. From ancient times stock of where our bilateral Hsuan Tsang, came to India to the era of globalization, the relations started and where via the Silk Road for Buddhist two countries have been engag- we stand today. Inspired by scriptures. During his 14-year ing in “two thousand years Buddhism, great scholars stay in India, he studied at

April 2, 2020: A worker checks the medical supplies donated to India by the Chongqing Municipal Government to aid its ﬁght against the coronavirus. by Zhou Yi/China News Service

30 CHINA-INDIA DIALOGUE

Nalanda University in Bihar Tagore visited China twice and In the early 1950s, China under Shilabhadra for a advocated Eastern spiritual and India enjoyed amicable couple of years. The written civilization together with Tan contacts. The two countries accounts of his pilgrimage Yunshan (the founding director established diplomatic rela- have enabled the Indian of the Department of Chinese tions on April 1, 1950 and India people to learn about Hsuan Language and Culture “Cheena became the first non-socialist Tsang in a better way, and Bhavana” at Visva-Bharati country to establish diplomatic about the Chinese Buddhist University, Santiniketan). ties with the People’s Republic culture as well as the history Cheena Bhavana has been of China. In 1954, Chinese of friendly exchanges between playing a pioneering role in the Premier Zhou Enlai and Indian the two countries. Chinese development of Chinese studies Prime Minister Jawaharlal monk Fa Hien or Fa Xian (337- in India. Nehru exchanged visits. The 422) visited India and sought While delivering her lecture two leaders jointly initiated further Buddhist knowledge. on Rabindranath Tagore’s the famous Five Principles of Zhang Qian, a famous Chinese vision of India and China at Peaceful Coexistence, which envoy in the Han Dynasty the Singapore Consortium remained the guiding princi- (202 B.C.-220 A.D.), went for China-India Dialogue ple of both countries. Premier to the Western Regions and on January 13, 2011, Indian Zhou paid another visit to discovered “Shu cloth” and Foreign Secretary Nirupam India in 1956. The slogan “bamboo sticks” that were Rao rightly remarked: “Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai” (the imported from India. “The vision of Asian unity, Indian and Chinese people are Some Indian monks also conceived by Tagore nearly a brothers) was known to every traveled to China and estab- century ago, is close to getting household in the mid-1950s. lished Buddhist temples such realized in the process of The concept of fraternal part- as Lingyin in Hangzhou, community-building in our nership remained unperturbed Shaolin, and others. Chinese region.” until the unfortunate border paper-making, silk, porcelain, During the war against conflict of 1962. and tea were introduced to Japanese aggression, India, However, after passing a India, and Indian songs and under Jawaharlal Nehru’s long 26-year “frozen period,” dances, astronomy, archi- advice, sent a medical the two countries started tecture, and spices were mission to China in which to recover the “honeymoon introduced to China. During Dr. Dwarkanath Kotnis, one period” of the past with the his seven voyages, the great outstanding representative “ice-breaking visit” by then Chinese navigator Zheng He of this medical team, sacri- Indian Prime Minister Rajiv visited India six times. These ficed his life in China. On Gandhi to China in 1988. Since mutual exchanges reflect the the other hand, Professor Xu the 18th National Congress spirit of the ancient Silk Road, Fancheng, a famous Chinese of the Communist Party of which is based on peace, scholar and translator, lived in China (CPC) in 2012 until the cooperation, openness, inclu- Pondicherry for 27 years and present, the two countries siveness, mutual learning, five years in Shantiniketan, have expanded cooperation and mutual benefit. These West Bengal. He translated 50 from bilateral to multilateral are but a few examples of our Upanishads, Bhagawad Gita areas, and have joined hands past interactions that have and Shakuntala from Sanskrit to speak up for emerging inspired a lasting friendship into Chinese. He also trans- economies. Chinese President between our peoples. lated Sri Aurobindo’s The Life Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Since modern times, Dr. Sun Divine and Integral Yoga into Minister Narendra Modi Yat-sen and other Chinese revo- Chinese. Plainly speaking, put huge efforts into Sino- lutionists had been supporting Tagore, Tan Yunshan, and Xu Indian relations with their the Indian independence Fancheng were pioneers to “hometown diplomacy,” which movement. The first Asian promote China-India cultural effectively accelerated trade, Nobel Laureate Rabindranath exchanges in modern times. cultural communication,

31 STRATEGY educational cooperation, and perspective, it is import- parents can resonate with the tourist exchanges between the ant for the two neighboring Indian filmHindi Medium two countries. No doubt these countries to mitigate the host that depicts India’s education activities serve the fundamen- of disputes and differences system with a humorous light. tal interests of both countries, that engulfed bilateral rela- As China aims to become meet common aspirations of tions over the years. But the Asia’s top destination for their people and are conducive Wuhan summit had resulted international students by to peace and development in in the birth of the first meet- 2020, it is trying to remove the region and the world. ing of the China-India high- barriers on language to President Xi’s first visit level cultural and people-to- attract more young intelligent to India in September 2014 people exchanges mechanism, students of India to its top rekindled memories of Prime co-chaired by Chinese Foreign universities. Minister Modi escorting the Minister Wang Yi and his The second edition of the Chinese president around Indian counterpart Sushma Chinese Higher Education the Sabarmati Ashram in Swaraj, held in New Delhi Expo, organized by the Ahmedabad. This visit was on December 21, 2018. The Consulate General of China followed by Modi’s trip to newly constituted mechanism in Kolkata, the capital city Wuhan, capital of central includes film and televi- of eastern Indian state West China’s Hubei Province, in sion co-production, media, Bengal on May 10-11, 2018, April 2018. The iconic picture education and think tanks, saw an overwhelming partici- of the two leaders sitting sports, youth exchanges, pation of Indian students who on a traditional swing on tourism, traditional medicine, are opening their minds for the Sabarmati Riverfront in exchanges between cities and higher education in China. Ahmedabad on September 17, states, yoga and academics. According to a press release by 2014, and the picture of a boat On the other hand, the second the Chinese Embassy in New ride or a walk by the famous meeting of this mechanism Delhi in May 2019, around East Lake in Wuhan remain held in Beijing on August 12, 18,000 Indian students are fresh in the minds of well 2019, reinforced the primacy currently studying in China as over two billion people on of people-to-people relations compared to 765 just a decade both sides of the Himalayas. in the burgeoning India- ago. According to a survey The Wuhan informal talks China partnership. These by the Center for China and helped enhance goodwill and two meetings suggest that Globalization in 2017, the trust between the two biggest the support for enhanced number of Indian students Asian neighbors which were people-to-people exchanges is studying in China has seen a locked in an acrimonious widening in both countries in year-on-year increase of more relationship over the Dong recent years. Undoubtedly, the than 20 percent on aver- Lang (Doklam) standoff in the cultural and people-to-people age. More than 80 percent summer of 2017. exchanges mechanism is a of Indian students in China The scenario of “the dragon “major initiative in the history follow undergraduate clinical and the elephant dancing of India-China relationship” medical courses in various together” has acquired a fresh that has helped consolidate medical institutions, accord- resonance after the second the popular basis for state-to- ing to the Indian Embassy in informal summit between state relations. Beijing. On the other hand, the the two leaders in Chennai The exchanges of educa- number of Chinese students on October 11-12 last year. tion, in particular, play a in India has remained steady, The Chennai summit has not crucial role in Sino-Indian but “very low,” at about 2,000 only reaffirmed the Wuhan rapprochement. Indian for the last few years. The Consensus but also opened and Chinese parents both Chinese newspapers Global new pathways of cooperation aspire to make their children Times wrote, “Many Chinese between the two Asian giants. succeed through education, students currently studying in From the common Indian which is why many Chinese India decry India’s notorious

32 CHINA-INDIA DIALOGUE

cultural exchanges between the two nations. The university is now offering China’s first master’s degree in yoga, officially approved by the country’s Ministry of Education in January 2017. Meanwhile, martial arts and Chinese food are popular in India. The Chinese mobile phone brands Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo are among the top five brands in India. To sum up, it can be said that even though India and China follow different models of governance, their objectives are the same. In order to realize the “Chinese Dream” July 6, 2006: China and India reopens border trade at the Nathu La Pass after and “Indian Dream,” the more than 40 years of closure. Nima Tsering (left), a Chinese businessman from Yadong County, southwestern China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, shakes two sides should enhance hands with an Indian merchant who came to do business in Yadong. Xinhua people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges to broaden the base of their relationship. red tape, which erodes their Indian films just as much as As neighbors, India and China enthusiasm to the coun- their own stories. In other have great potential in deep- try.” Therefore, the Indian words, China’s growing ening cultural exchanges, government must resolve the attachment to Bollywood based on common values. Chinese students’ safety and films is gradually chang- Since the world is becoming visa concerns. ing the Chinese audience’s increasingly uncertain and For years, Indian films have impression of India while unstable, a more pragmatic enjoyed a solid fan base in expanding cultural under- and healthy Sino-Indian China, transcending language standing with Chinese people, relationship is the need of the barriers. In 1955, Changchun cooling off the bitter disputes hour. As important contem- Film Studio introduced Raj of India-China relationship. porary civilizations, the two Kapoor’s 1951 classic Awaara In today’s high-stress living countries should learn from which was the first Indian environment, India’s prescrip- and help each other to real- film screened at Chinese tion is sacred “yoga” while ize win-win cooperation and theatres. Indian movies such China has long prescribed common development. China as Noorie and Caravan left to the intangible cultural and India should enhance a deep, lasting impression heritage of Taiji (or Tai Chi). understanding of each on the Chinese audience in However, it’s a matter of pride other’s culture and promote the 1980s. In recent years, that yoga fever has gripped a dialogue to usher in a new the successive triumphs of China in recent years, vying chapter of glory for Eastern the Bollywood filmsDangal , with its own national treasure civilization. Secret Superstar, Bajrangi Taiji. The first yoga college Bhaijaan, Hindi Medium, outside India has emerged Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, with the collaboration of India Toilet: A Love Story, to list a and China at Yunnan Minzu few, have proved that Chinese University in Kunming, The author is a foreign expert at Beijing audiences respect quality becoming a milestone of Foreign Studies University.

33 TREND

Economic Cooperation: Now is the Time to Act

By Zhu Cuiping

As China and India celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations, the world’s two largest developing countries, based on their good-neighborly friendship, should work together to address the common difficulties and challenges facing the world economy.

urrently, the economic growth to slow economies. After the outbreak COVID-19 down. In this, no country is of the 2008 world finan- pandemic is spread- immune. Despite the fact that cial crisis, China took active ing globally, crude they have seen rapid economic measures to stabilize the econ- oilC prices are fluctuating growth and entered a stage of omy, becoming the first country sharply, the U.S. stock market economic transformation in to recover. In 2010, China’s has seen repeated downturns, recent years, China and India GDP reached US$6 trillion, and the real economy and the also face escalating challenges overtaking Japan to become virtual economy are disturbing and risks. the world’s second-largest each other. The world econ- economy. At the same time, omy is facing unprecedented structural challenges arising challenges. The pandemic has CHINESE AND INDIAN from rapid economic growth not only given a heavy blow to ECONOMIES IN CRUCIAL forced China to adjust its trade, investment and tourism TRANSITION economic development mode to worldwide, but also severely China launched its reform avoid falling into the middle-in- affected the global industrial and opening up in 1978, and come trap. To remove barriers and supply chains. Its impact India started its economic for further development and on the world economy is prob- reform in 1991. After that, break through bottlenecks in ably greater than that of the the two countries gradually fields like resources, structural 2008 world financial crisis. developed into the world’s reform and environmental It seems inevitable for global two fastest-growing emerging protection, China has taken

34 CHINA-INDIA DIALOGUE active action to promote promised to boost economic initiative, in the hope of creat- economic restructuring, and growth, which just met ing more than 12 million jobs the Chinese economy has Indian voters’ aspiration for for India’s young people each entered a “new normal” and change and gave them hope year. In 2014, the growth crucial stage that pays more to embrace a rising India. rate of India’s economy hit attention to high-quality, Indeed, Modi didn’t let them 7.4 percent, equal to that of sustainable development than down. After he took office as China. The following year, high-speed growth. Since 2018, India’s prime minister, Modi India saw its GDP growing by China’s economic growth rate launched a series of develop- 7.6 percent, surpassing China has slowed due to China-U.S. ment initiatives and missions to become the fastest-grow- trade friction and the sluggish such as “Make in India,” ing economy in the world world economy. In the begin- “Smart Cities,” “Digital India” for the first time. During the ning of 2020, the COVID-19 and “Clean India.” He also first tenure of Prime Minister epidemic posed a challenge to implemented a bold policy Modi, India’s annual GDP the Chinese economy. Though to abolish the country’s larg- growth rate exceeded seven its impact remains controllable, est-denomination banknotes, percent on average, becoming the epidemic has still put heavy and rolled out the landmark one of the engines driving pressure on the country’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) global economic growth. economic growth. reform. The Modi adminis- In May 2019, Modi was It is noteworthy that India’s tration has made tremendous re-elected in a landslide economy grew at a rate as efforts to boost private invest- victory. He announced the high as 8.9 percent in 2010. ment and create a favorable goals of making India a Analysts believe that India’s business environment. US$5 trillion economy by GDP based on purchasing Particularly, Modi vigorously the 2024-2025 fiscal year power parity (PPP) has advanced the “Make in India” and the world’s third-largest surpassed that of Japan, making India the third-largest economy in the world. However, India’s economy didn’t maintain rapid growth as expected from 2011 to 2013, with its growth rate dropping by a large margin. Especially in the 2011-2012 fiscal year, the Indian rupee depreciated sharply, private investment plummeted, and the GDP growth rate dropped to 4.1 percent (which was later recalibrated to 4.9 percent), the lowest in the past 10 years. It seemed that the “Indian economic miracle” had turned out to be an unreachable mirage. In May 2014, Narendra Modi won India’s general April 13, 2019: A bird’s-eye view of a wharf at the Qinzhou bonded port area election. This was largely in southern China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, where containers attributed to the outstanding destined for India are transferred from an express train from Chongqing. This is part of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, a trade and logistics achievements he made as the passage built under the framework of the China-Singapore (Chongqing) chief minister of Gujarat. He Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity. Xinhua

35 TREND economy by 2030. However, in 2019, a figure still in the Trade imbalance is a India still suffers from under- range of expectations, but primary obstacle hindering developed infrastructure India’s GDP growth rate further economic cooper- and a sluggish manufactur- decreased significantly ation between China and ing sector, and hasn’t seen to 4.8 percent. China has India in recent years. In 2019, obvious improvement in its comparative advantages in China’s trade surplus with business environment and infrastructure and manu- India reached US$56 billion demographic dividend. All of facturing, while India’s (US$60 billion according to these factors hinder its indus- comparative advantages Indian statistics), account- trialization and urbanization. lie in its service industry, ing for 30 percent of India’s Moreover, India has a huge information technology and total trade deficit. This not impoverished population pharmaceuticals. In this only thwarted India’s will to and faces great pressure in sense, the two countries are promote bilateral trade with employment. In 2019, India’s mutually complementary in China but also made a nega- macroeconomic index saw economic development and tive impact on mutual trust sharp fluctuations, with its boast great potential and in investment. The situation growth rate slowing down. sound basis in economic came from the failure to Undoubtedly, this increased cooperation. China and leverage the mutual comple- pressure on its economic India are supposed to be mentarities between Chinese restructuring effort with the “natural partners.” But in and Indian industrial struc- manufacturing sector as the fact, bilateral collaboration tures in bilateral economic breakthrough. hasn’t seen much progress cooperation. Moreover, China in realms like infrastruc- and India complement and INSUFFICIENT BILATERAL ture, manufacturing and compete with each other in COOPERATION IN TRADE AND investment over the years. terms of goods trade, and INVESTMENT In 2018, trade volume their complementarities in As two major emerg- between China and India goods and services trade ing economies, China and reached US$95.5 billion. haven’t been fully leveraged. India are among the most According to the latest Mutual investment hasn’t popular investment desti- statistics of China Customs, been perfectly connected to nations around the world. bilateral trade was US$92.7 industrial development of the The two Asian neighbors billion in 2019, lower than the two countries. The two sides have a combined popu- goal of US$100 billion. By the have yet to achieve an optimal lation of more than 2.7 end of 2017, China’s direct balance of their interests and billion. In 2019, China’s investments in India totaled find the most effective way to GDP exceeded US$14 tril- US$4.7 billion. By the end of solve disputes. lion, and its per capita GDP 2018, India’s cumulative gross Trade imbalance between surpassed the US$10,000 investment in China reached China and India should be mark for the first time. US$900 million. Bilateral relieved not only through India’s GDP reached US$2.9 trade and investment, expanding mutual trade and trillion, overtaking Britain although on the rise in recent investment but also through to become the world’s years, remain insufficient for regional multilateral mech- fifth-largest economy, and China and India considering anisms such as BRICS and its per capita GDP was the huge markets comprised the Regional Comprehensive about US$2,100. However, of their combined popula- Economic Partnership both countries suffered tion of 2.7 billion and mutual (RCEP). Simply increasing somewhat from the global economic complementarities. or decreasing exports isn’t economic slowdown last The volumes of bilateral trade sustainable, and protec- year. According to the latest and investment do not match tionism cannot solve trade report, China’s economic the two countries’ economic imbalance. Reform and open- growth rate was 6.1 percent sizes and populations. ing up remain the best way to

36 CHINA-INDIA DIALOGUE solve economic problems. This U.S. side would end prefer- and India, based on their has been proven by China’s ential trade treatment for good-neighborly friendship, reform and opening up over India from June 5. This move should work together to the past 40 years. Although would affect Indian exports address the common diffi- the world economy faces a worth US$5.6 billion to the culties and challenges facing crisis, economic globaliza- U.S. that were formerly free the world economy. The two tion remains an irreversible of tariffs. During his visit to countries should focus on trend. The global market India from February 24 to 25, breaking through bottlenecks will eventually become an 2020, U.S. President Trump hindering further develop- interconnected, interdepen- didn’t make any substantive ment of economic and trade dent and integrated “global compromise on trade disputes relations, and expand coop- village.” For this reason, inter- that the Indian side was eager eration in new realms such national trade, investment to solve. This indicates that as new energy and digital will become increasingly Trump’s policies are volatile economy. Those moves integrated, and mutual invest- and unpredictable. He didn’t will consolidate bilateral ment will become an effective give any special consideration economic and trade cooper- way to solve trade imbalance. to the good of India when it ation in the short term, and came to issues concerning the help China and India play a core interests. greater role in reconstructing OVERCOMING CHALLENGES A positive trend is that international economic order THROUGH COOPERATION the consensuses reached by and trade rules and gain more This year marks the 70th Chinese and Indian leaders say for developing countries anniversary of the estab- at their Wuhan and Chennai on the international stage in lishment of China-India informal meetings respec- the medium and long term. diplomatic ties. The global tively in 2018 and 2019 have China and India should spread of COVID-19 has made pointed the development meet each other halfway, a severe impact on the econ- of bilateral relations in the rather than magnify their omies of China and India right direction. The two differences and disputes so and the world at large, and countries maintain positive, as to lose opportunities for Western developed countries steady momentum in their cooperation. It is an irrefut- represented by the United cooperation in fields like able fact that closer China- States began to turn to protec- energy, medicine, infor- India cooperation will not tionism. Both China and mation technology and only benefit the two coun- India have urgent needs for software as well as cultural tries, but also have regional economic restructuring. Now exchanges in areas like yoga and global implications. Both is the time for the two coun- and film. The core of Modi countries are key driving tries to promote economic Economics is to create a forces for global economic cooperation and address friendly investment envi- growth. Only when China global challenges with a more ronment to attract foreign and India work together can active attitude. investment, strengthen the world economy maintain In fact, the Trump admin- infrastructure construction, steady growth. This is also istration’s protectionist policy and enhance the manufac- the only choice for the world targets not only China but turing industry to create as to win the battle against the India as well. In June 2018, many jobs as possible. This COVID-19 pandemic. the United States imposed happens to the lessons that additional tariffs on steel China drew in its develop- and aluminum imports from ment process. India, causing a loss of US$241 Taking the 70th anniver- million for Indian exporters. sary of the establishment of The author is a professor at the Research On May 31, 2019, the White their diplomatic relations Institute for Indian Ocean Economies, Yun- House announced that the as an opportunity, China nan University of Finance and Economics.

37 TREND

Reinforcing the Foundation of China-India Friendship

By Yu Longyu

How to strengthen mutual trust between China and India? For Chinese, they need to adjust their mindsets and carefully study Indian history and culture; for Indians, they need to free themselves from the shackles of biased English information about China.

n April 1, 1950, and nature,” “benevolence,” Chinese President Xi Jinping under the “people being the foundation visited Indian Prime Minister instruction of the of the state,” “the thought of Narendra Modi’s home state founding leaders of forgiveness” and “the doctrine of Gujarat. Modi told Xi that Othe People’s Republic of China of the mean,” which respec- China and India are “two and the Republic of India, tively correspond to India’s bodies with one spirit.” The the two great nations offi- “tat tvam asi” (absolute iden- following day, when deliver- cially established diplomatic tity between the individual ing a speech titled “In Joint relations, causing a sensation and the Absolute), “ahimsa” Pursuit of a Dream of National around the world. This year, (nonviolence), “panchayati Renewal” at the Indian the two countries celebrate raj” (a system of rural local Council of World Affairs the 70th anniversary of the self-government), “the rule of in New Delhi, Xi quoted establishment of their diplo- tolerance” and “madhyamika” Modi’s words and stressed matic ties, which has also (intermediate). They represent that these words reveal the drawn worldwide attention. the advanced concepts that kind and peace-loving nature China and India were the China and India have held shared by our two great world’s earliest civilization since ancient times in philos- civilizations and the intrinsic states (or civilized commu- ophy, ethics, politics, social connection between them. nities), an advanced state of governance and methodology. In his speech, Xi said, “The human society. The superiority All of those concepts are rooted Chinese concepts of ‘univer- of their state systems was based in a traditional philosophical sal peace’ and ‘universal love’ on their advanced concepts of idea shared by the Chinese and and the Indian concepts of civilization. China’s advanced Indian peoples: “The world is a ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakum’ concepts about civilization harmonious whole.” (the world being one family) include “harmony between man On September 17, 2014, and ‘ahimsa’ (nonviolence) are

38 CHINA-INDIA DIALOGUE very much alike. Both China and India consider harmony as the way toward a better future for the world and hope that all countries will live in harmony and peace.” The two nations’ joint pursuit for a “harmonious world” and their advanced concepts about civilization laid a philosophical foundation for China-India friendship. Based on this philosophical foundation, Chinese and Indian scholars have coined new terms such as “Dragon- Elephant Tango” and “Chindia” to describe new visions for September 28, 2019: Eight representatives from China and India pose for a group photo with other participants at the China-India Youth Talks 2019 in China-India friendship. Beijing. They exchanged their views on how China and India should learn Of them, the most innova- from each other during the event. courtesy of China Radio International tive is Chindia, created by renowned Indian economist Jairam Ramesh. The term with each other, nothing is consensuses reached between gained popularity soon after impossible. In mythology, the common people, elites and its creation. Famous Chinese dragon brings timely rainfalls politicians of the two countries scholar Tan Zhong believes to the earth, and the elephant are boosters for bilateral unity, that the most suitable inter- represents wisdom. Together, collaboration and cooperation pretation of “Chindia” is they could benefit the whole across the board, which is the “China and India uniting as world. Chindia is the biggest elementary goal of Chindia. one.” I couldn’t agree more blessing for today’s world. For The secondary goal is to real- with him. In “An Explanation this reason, it is an aspiration ize comprehensive exchanges, of Chindia,” a postscript I not only of the Chinese and mutual benefits and common wrote for the Chinese edition Indian peoples, but also of development, while the third of Jairam Ramesh’s Making people around the world.” goal is to deepen friendship, Sense of Chindia: Reflections After studying Chinese promote honesty and share on China and India, I said, and Indian cultures and their wisdom. The three goals are “Chindia, in which China and relations for more than half a not only important contents of India connected as one, means century, I’m in eager anticipation Chindia, but also driving forces that the two nations unite and of Chindia. In the postscript, I to push it to a higher level, cooperate with each other wrote, “Chindia is a social ideal namely a bright future featuring to promote comprehensive grounded on the actual situa- benevolence and shared bene- exchanges for mutual benefits tion of international politics and fits. This is the ultimate goal and common development in China-India relations and goes of Chindia. It will bring care, the principles of fraternity, beyond any religious belief. I happiness, freedom and glory honesty, wisdom and benev- believe the ideal will turn into not only to the Chinese and olence, so as to bring benefits reality through tireless efforts. India peoples but also to people to both peoples and create a What I mentioned above is the around the world.” bright future for both coun- fundamental contents, realizing However, there is a long way tries. The dragon and the approach and ultimate goals to go before the ideal of Chindia elephant should complement of Chindia. The domestic and can become a reality. I wrote each other; if the two dance international situations faced the postscript in 2006. How are together instead of competing by China and India and the China-India relations today?

39 TREND

In 2017, when addressing the the kind support and assistance reception of an Indian dele- BRICS Think Tank Seminar in of Indian people represented by gation of youth leaders. Ten Guangzhou Higher Education Rabindranath Tagore and Dr. Indian young elites showed Mega Center, I said, “In recent Kotnis coming to China in the great curiosity and goodwill years, China-India relations time of peril; for Indians, they for China during the visit. This have maintained a positive need to free themselves from was the same as I felt during general trend. Leaders of the the shackles of biased English my visit to India in December two countries made mutual information about China, and 2018. Thanks to more effective visits, and bilateral economic trust their own eyes and ears. means of access to informa- and trade ties saw substan- Different groups of people in tion in modern times, today’s tive progress. However, the both countries vary in knowl- Indians, especially youngsters, friendship between China and edge about each other. In have gained a more compre- India still lags far behind what general, their insights into each hensive, accurate and profound the two peoples anticipate. other’s countries are propor- understanding of China and its We should spare no efforts to tional to their understandings culture than older generations. enhance the frequency and of history and modern knowl- They show sincere enthusiasm quality of contacts between the edge. Scholars dedicated to and friendliness towards China two countries.” studying each other’s coun- and Chinese culture. I believe This unsatisfying situa- tries show the highest level that the young generations of tion is mainly caused by two of mutual trust. After visiting China and India will further factors: The first is the Cold India, Chinese tourists usually reinforce the foundation of War mentality and geopo- form two contrary perceptions: friendship between the two litical theories held by some Some think India is much nations, thus benefiting the two Western countries. Just better than they had thought, peoples and the whole world. like Ravana sabotaging the and others simply conclude It is touching that many marriage between Rama and that India is dirty, chaotic and Indian students and workers Sita, they tried their utmost backward, just like China in stayed in China to help fight to alienate China and India. the eyes of Westerners during the COVID-19 outbreak and The second is the trust defi- the 1980s. Those holding the cheer for China by posting cit between China and India. second perception remain articles on social media. Just The external disturbances by the mainstream, but their as Dr. Kotnis did decades Western countries wouldn’t percentage has been constantly ago, an Indian doctor named work if the two Asian neigh- dropping in recent years. Garry risked his life fighting bors had enough mutual trust. This indicates that the key the disease on the front lines. Therefore, we must continue factor influencing mutual This year marks the 70th reiterating the importance trust between the Chinese and anniversary of the establish- and necessity of strength- Indian peoples is not people’s ment of China-India diplomatic ening mutual trust between age or social status, but their relations. I believe that based on China and India, which is access to accurate informa- their mutual trust and guided key to solving all problems tion. A trust deficit stems from by the “Wuhan Consensus” and hindering the improvement of an information deficit and the “Chennai Connect,” people their relationship. a knowledge deficit. China of the two countries will make How to strengthen mutual and India still lack necessary China-India friendship stronger, trust between China and mutual understanding. Young healthier, and more lasting. India? For Chinese, they need Indians who study or work in to adjust their mindsets and China can gain a picture of a carefully study Indian history true China based on what they The author is a professor with the Center for and culture while reawaken- have seen and heard in the Indian Studies of Shenzhen University, an ing memories of the journey country, so they trust China expert in Indian literature and China-India cultural relations, and president of the Indian of Monk Xuanzang to retrieve and its people. On December Literature Research Society under the China Buddhist sutras from India and 19, 2019, I participated in the Foreign Literature Association.

40 CHINA-INDIA DIALOGUE

Seven Decades of Meaningful Interactions

By Sreemati Chakrabarti

It is only through massive people-to-people contacts on a regular and sustained basis that mistrust can be overcome.

n 1950 when the relations actually deteriorated This led to the emergence of Republic of India in this period. The British used negative perceptions in the established diplomatic Indians as security guards and minds of the average Chinese relations with the newly soldiers in some of their conces- about India. establishedI People’s Republic sions in parts of eastern China Understanding of each other of China, they were not to protect their establishments. as well as some amount of strangers to each other. Both were new governments but very old civilizational twins. That is exactly why most discussions and discourses on China-India relations begin with the traditional bonds of friendship which the two nations had long before 1950. For a very long period of history, India and China as civilizational entities have coexisted peacefully. Much has been written and said about the role of Buddhism and trade as significant factors in traditional China-India relations. A period not studied June 1, 2011: A Chinese doctor (right) explains a patient’s X-ray images to his Indian students at Ningxia Medical University. Today, more than 23,000 Indian much and hardly talked about students study in China. Only a fraction of them go on government scholarships, is the colonial era. China-India and the rest have private payment arrangements. by Peng Zhaozhi/Xinhua

41 TREND cooperation was seen during the anti-colonial, anti-imperialist movements in the two countries, which was immortalized in V. Shantaram’s filmDr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani (1946). Under the influence of the Soviet Union, Indian independence in 1947 was considered a “sham and fraud” and Indian leadership was projected to be “a stooge of Western imperi- alism.” The situation changed in 1950 as India was one of the first countries to recognize the government of the People’s January 19, 2019: An Indian student displays her calligraphy during a cultural Republic of China led by the event held in Qiucun Town, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province. With Spring Festival approaching, a number of folk activities are organized by the locals, Communist Party of China. and foreigners are invited to take a sip of traditional Chinese culture. by This was followed by nearly Huang Zongzhi/Xinhua a decade of good ties, often referred to as the “Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai” period. Indian Foreign Minister A. B. Vajpayee the Gorbachev era (1985-91) Prime Minister Jawaharlal went to China. However, as the in world politics. With the Nehru’s 1954 visit to China Sino-Vietnamese war broke out Soviet Union mending its was considered a landmark soon after he reached Beijing, ties with China, for India the event as the two countries this visit had to terminate Cold War setup was coming signed the Agreement between prematurely. to an end. Rajiv Gandhi took the People’s Republic of China With the initiation of reform the path-breaking step of and the Republic of India on and opening up in China, making a state visit to China, Trade and Intercourse between the atmosphere of hostil- although the boundary ques- the Tibet Region of China and ity began to slowly change. tion remained unresolved. India. Cultural and educa- Educational exchanges at a This visit marked a major tional exchanges also took minimal level took place with breakthrough in China-India place during this period. Some a Bilateral Cultural Exchange relations. Indian scholars who during Programme coordinated by From 1989 to the present, this period went to China for the ministries of education of although bilateral relations studies later became pioneers both countries. This marked have not been absolutely of China studies in India. the beginning of people- normal but Rajiv Gnadhi’s The most prominent among to-people relations which visit began a new era of inten- them was Vidya Prakash Dutt continue till now at a much sification of India-China under whose leadership the greater pace. interactions at many levels. University of Delhi set up a China’s resumption of its The most remarkable growth, China studies programme lawful seat in the United as is well-known, has been in 1964. Nations as well as its reform in economic relations. Major The period from 1962 to starting in the late 1970s shifts in the domestic poli- 1978 was that of antagonism were perceived in India as cies of China and India have and hostility. Events which welcome developments as brought this about. In the exacerbated this hostility were China began to play a stabi- political sphere, high-level the 1965 India-Pakistan War. lizing role in international mutual visits have taken place In 1979, an attempt was made politics. A marked shift in quite frequently. However, to break the ice when Indian India’s policies came during the two factors that have

42 CHINA-INDIA DIALOGUE obstructed the path of coop- are getting space in China and growth in trade in the last two eration are the Tibet issue (for among the Chinese people. decades has promoted interac- China) and the Pakistan issue Only through increased tions between many Chinese (for India). people-to-people interac- and Indians. In case cooperation Since the Sino-Indian tions can some amount of in the above-mentioned spheres border conflict in 1962, fear, the long-existing mistrust be is enhanced, people-to-people apprehension and mutual neutralized. The governments relations will certainly improve suspicion have persisted in and policymakers on both to a great extent. the public perceptions in both sides realize it yet much more However, one cannot deny countries. This often gets needs to happen. Despite that in general India and fueled by the media misre- prolonged and serious efforts, China see each other as both porting, sensationalizing a negotiated settlement on the collaborators and competi- and exaggerating. It is only boundary question between tors. The main driving force through massive people-to- the two countries is still behind improved India- people contacts on a regular elusive. Negotiation is a give- China relations, as stated and sustained basis that and-take with some elements earlier, is economics. In the mistrust can be overcome. of trust. In both countries, last two decades the entire An objective assessment of some media organizations as gamut of economic relations India-China interactions in well as the social media have has phenomenally expanded. the present era shows some come in the way of creat- According to many observ- positive indicators. High-level ing a positive image of each ers, the Dong Lang (Doklam) mutual visits take place each other. One of the negative standoff of 2017 would have year. In the last two years, side effects of the prolifer- led to a military confronta- informal summits have taken ation of news channels in tion without strong, robust place in Wuhan and Chennai, India and the growth and economic ties between the which is a new initiative of popularization of the inter- two countries. These ties are the Modi-Xi leadership. Joint net in China has been the also leading to greater cultural military exercises – unthink- constant portrayal of a hostile and educational cooperation. able a decade ago – are China from India’s side and However, there is still a lot to organized. Think tanks and an unfriendly and scheming be done to enhance people-to- officials hold meetings and India from China’s side. News people relations. conferences fairly frequently. channels in local languages It is hard to predict the Trade and businesses are in India are watched by many future of India-China rela- increasing almost by the who have no other sources tions. Much depends on the day. In the 1990s when both of information. Nationalism overall international situ- countries had opened up their beyond a certain point ation – where the United economies, annual trade was becomes jingoism and xeno- States, Russia and Japan are to the tune of US$200 million. phobia. In the long run, it will crucial players. In view of Today it has reached nearly hurt world peace. the pandemic that has hit the US$100 billion. More than A fact too known to be elab- world, it remains to be seen 23,000 Indian students study orated is that India and China how the post-COVID-19 world in China – only a fraction of share numerous common will evolve. India and China them go on government schol- problems. There is tremen- will need to play their roles as arships, and the rest have dous scope to deal with issues stabilizing factors. their private arrangements. relating to agriculture, health, A large number of Indian education, and environment – to students desire to learn name only a few – in ways that Chinese and many young would be beneficial to both soci- scholars in China are studying eties. However, as of now, they The author is vice chairperson of the Delhi-based Institute of Chinese Studies India. As is known to many, are only perceived as secondary and former head of the Department of East Bollywood, Yoga and Gandhi to the relationship. Massive Asian Studies, University of Delhi.

43 CASE STUDY

Pharma: An Emerging Link in China-India Ties

By Swaran Singh

Until the vaccine against COVID-19 has been successfully produced, the burgeoning demand for medicos, medicines and medical equipment worldwide will see the expanding connection of health- related production and exports of China and India emerge as the strongest source of their cooperation and competition.

he last 70 years ended rather abruptly as he midst of the Chinese People’s of China-India died of epileptic seizures at War of Resistance against interaction is the age of 32 on December 9, Japanese Aggression. illuminated by 1942, barely months after his Fast forward to the year Tstories such as that of Dr. son, named Yinhua (meaning 2020, the spread of COVID-19 Dwarkanath Shantaram “India-China”), was born. seems pregnant with similar Kotnis. Kotnis volunteered in This story began with a possibilities for such stories 1938 to look after the sick and request from Zhu De, then to emerge in the next 70 years wounded in China to support commander-in-chief of the of China-India ties. At its the Chinese People’s War of Eighth Route Army led by the very outset, this pandemic Resistance against Japanese Communist Party of China has not only magnified the Aggression. Learning the (CPC), to India’s Jawaharlal focus on health being a shared Chinese language quickly, Nehru for medico assistance responsibility of humankind, Kotnis was very friendly in the fight against Japanese but also revealed this sector with his patients; he fell in aggression. India raised as an emerging link between love with Chinese nurse Guo funds and sent a team of five China and India, which are Qinglan and married her, doctors to China including home to nearly 40 percent of adopting China as his second Kotnis. Nehru himself also the world’s population. Now, home. His journey, however, visited China in 1939 in the until the vaccine against

44 CHINA-INDIA DIALOGUE

thousands of Indian students. Anti-immigration policies in the West have only further pushed this traffic to China. Other than enabling India’s medical expertise and manufacturing to make it a global life saver, China’s inputs have also been financially enriching: India has seen a double-digit pharmaceutical export growth in recent years. According to the Pharmaceutical Exports Promotion Council, a body

under India’s Ministry of November 8, 2013: An exhibitor (right) speaks to an Indian merchant at the fourth China (Taizhou) International Medical Expo that opened at the CMC Commerce and Industry, Conference and Exhibition Center in Taizhou, Jiangsu Province. Xinhua India’s exports of bulk drugs and intermediates stood at US$3.9 billion in the 2019 COVID-19 has been success- pandemic, and India has fiscal year, up by 10.5 percent fully produced, which seems also been a major supplier over the previous year. These at least a year away, this acute of nurses and doctors, as statistics, of course, do not burgeoning demand for medi- well as medicines and active tell the whole story of India’s cos, medicines and medical pharmaceutical ingredients real pickings—India earns its equipment worldwide will (APIs), for Gulf states, Japan, reputation as a “global phar- see the expanding connection the European Union and the macy” with its cheap generic of health-related production United States. medicine. In terms of volume, and exports of China and What most aptly underlines India’s pharmaceutical India emerge as the strongest source of their cooperation and competition. It is a commonplace that Other than enabling India’s medical expertise China stands among the and manufacturing to make it a global world’s top producers of medical devices and India life saver, China’s inputs have also been is the world’s major supplier financially enriching. of generic medicines. Together they play the role of vanguards for fledgling health sectors in several their expanding ties is the industry stood as the third developing and least-devel- fact that China accounts largest in the world, and in oped nations, including their for 20 percent of the global terms of value, it held the own health services. India output of APIs and India 13th position. has also emerged as one of the imports about 70 percent The story is not all milk most preferred destinations of the raw materials for its and honey. The COVID-19 for medical tourism. China drug manufacturing from pandemic showed how lock- has been providing medical China. Lately, China has also downs in China can create supplies to over 150 countries become the most preferred hiccups for India’s imports and international organi- destination for low-cost of Chinese APIs. India has zations amid the COVID-19 medical education for to deal with ever-increasing

45 CASE STUDY

August 17, 2010: The second China-India Joint Medical Mission is launched at the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries in Beijing. The program is part of the celebration for the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China-India diplomatic ties and the commemoration of the birth centenary of Dr. Kotnis. Xinhua demand for its generic medi- and indigenization which which challenges the United cines while facing shortage also has its lessons for States and Germany’s monop- of API supplies and even India’s healthcare-related olies in high-value medical political pressure from the education, training and products and services. What West. This high demand manufacturing. In the face of makes things promising also resulted from the World all this, the Indian govern- for China and India is this Health Organization endors- ment identified the priority expanding worldwide focus ing India’s Paracetamol and list of 53 key starting mate- on health, which means there Hydroxychroloqine as treat- rials and APIs, approved will be more than sufficient ments for COVID-19, which US$1.3 billion for providing opportunities for both New made the two drugs popular incentives and capital subsi- Delhi and Beijing. Both sides commodities worldwide. dies to boost their domestic can maximize their advan- Initially, like many other manufacturing and a plan tages from this windfall and nations, India imposed a for setting up three indus- expand the avenues of their ban on medical exports, but trial parks for bulk drug cooperation. it had to be lifted, and soon production. India resumed supplying China has not been sitting health materials. idle. In recent years, China This rollercoaster of highs has made strides in producing and lows has triggered some advanced medical equipment The author is chairman of the Centre for rethinking in New Delhi. To and precision instrumentation International Politics, Organization and Disarmament (CIPOD), School of Interna- some extent, this is part of as well as expanding produc- tional Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University global debates on decoupling tion of both drugs and APIs, in New Delhi.

DISCUSSION

Seeking Wisdom for Cultural Exchanges from Ancient Civilizations

By Jin Xueli

It is an important direction for cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and India to pass down the traditional bilateral friendship to the public and root China-India brotherhood deeply in the hearts of the two peoples.

hina and India been more intensive, richer China-India interactions celebrate an and smoother due in part to date back to the Qin Dynasty extraordinary frequent high-level exchanges (221-207 B.C.). The Han 70th anniversary and growing economic and Dynasty (202 B.C.-220 A.D.) Cof the establishment of diplo- trade relations. The leaders saw more frequent contacts, matic relations at a critical of the two countries have and the ancient Silk Road, moment as the world battles affirmed the goal of building opened up by Zhang Qian, the COVID-19 pandemic. As a closer development partner- a Chinese imperial envoy two ancient civilizations with ship and agreed to jointly hold travelling to the west during brilliant cultures, China and a series of activities to mark this period, served as the India are friendly neighbors the 70th anniversary of the cultural bridge connecting linked by mountains and establishment of China-India the two ancient countries. rivers and mutually benefi- diplomatic ties and the Year During the Sui and Tang cial partners that enjoy a long of China-India Cultural and dynasties (581-907), China- history of cultural exchanges. People-to-People Exchanges, India interactions almost In recent years, cultural and which will guide friendly reached the peak when the people-to-people exchanges interactions between the two Chinese Buddhist monk between China and India have countries in the future. Xuan Zang obtained the

48 CHINA-INDIA DIALOGUE

November 8, 2013: An exhibitor (right) speaks to an Indian merchant at the fourth China (Taizhou) International Medical Expo that opened at the CMC Conference and Exhibition Center in Taizhou, Jiangsu Province. Xinhua

Buddhist scriptures after a the astronomical calendar designated 14 sister provinces 19-year expedition to India that were introduced into and cities, and the number of and then spread Buddhism China have far-reaching influ- China-India mutual visits has in China. The deepening ence. Chinese writer Lu Xun exceeded one million per year. bilateral relations were said: “Friendly exchanges Chinese kung fu movies, Tai reflected by flourishing between China and India Chi and traditional Chinese seaborne commerce in trace back to ancient times medicine are popular in India, the Song, Yuan and Ming and Buddhism has influenced while Bollywood movies, yoga dynasties (960-1644). Chinese people’s thought, and Ayurveda are well liked Chinese navigator Zheng He belief, ethics, literature and in China. The trend of learn- during the Ming Dynasty arts. No brotherhood is closer ing and teaching Chinese and (1368-1644) led seven great than the bilateral friendship Hindi provides a solid foun- voyages to the Indian Ocean between China and India.” dation for smooth language and arrived six times at Similarly, China’s papermak- communication, cultural Kochi in southern India, ing, silk, porcelain, tea and mutual appreciation, and where Chinese fishing nets music were brought into India closer people-to-people ties. introduced by his fleets can and greatly enriched Indian The way of cultural and be seen till today. culture. China’s Twenty-Four people-to-people exchanges Cultural exchanges have Histories and travel notes between China and India is been the cornerstone in the of eminent Chinese monks growing into an international 2,000-year history of commu- even laid the groundwork for cooperative model featuring nication between China and ancient Indian history. great potential and guid- India. Indian Buddhism, Today, China-India ance. China launched “Visit music, dance, literature, cultural and people-to-peo- India Year” in 2015 and India language, architecture, ple exchanges set off a new launched “Visit China Year” sugar-making technique and wave. The two countries have in 2016. In 2017, India’s first

49 DISCUSSION

Confucius Classroom was Sanskrit epics, which served activities have emerged, inaugurated in Kolkata. The as “adhesive” for restoring including food festivals, first meeting of the China- bilateral relations. After then cultural relic exhibitions, film India High-level People- Indian Prime Minister Rajiv exhibitions, book releases to-People and Cultural Gandhi’s visit to China in and academic seminars. Exchanges Mechanism was 1988, China-India cultural More individuals have been held in New Delhi in 2018 and exchanges were no longer engaged in the exchanges the second was held in Beijing limited to occasional visits with an increasing number in 2019. The two countries of arts and cultural delega- of tourists and students to carried out comprehensive tions and the introduction travel and study in each exchanges and cooperation of movies or translation of other’s countries year by year. in such fields as media, films works by a few universities or Non-governmental contact and televisions, museums, research institutes. Rich and injects new vitality into bilat- sports, youth, tourism, tradi- in-depth activities sprang up, eral cultural exchanges. tional medicine and yoga, and represented by the launch- China and India enjoy a long education and think tanks. ing of Cultural Month and history of cultural connec- People-to-people contact Friendship Year, and the inau- tions and have created the between China and India has guration ceremonies of the most splendid civilizations always been steady. Even at world’s first “Indian Corner” in the world. The two coun- a low ebb of bilateral rela- in Chengdu, the Xuan Zang tries can certainly realize tions, renowned Chinese Memorial Hall in Nalanda, their respective dreams of scholar Ji Xianlin and his and the Indian-style Buddha national renewal when they students persevered in trans- Hall at the White Horse step forward hand in hand and lating the Ramayana and the Temple in Luoyang. Various pursue common development. Mahabharata, two ancient forms of cultural exchange In this context, cultural and

March 26, 2015: Visitors watch Vajra Master Jinke Xuanlei’s painting Dragon and Elephant Mandala at the 10-day Exhibition of Fine Arts of Contemporary China held in New Delhi. Xinhua

50 CHINA-INDIA DIALOGUE

and create the Asian Century. The rise of emerging economies, represented by China and India, is changing the global landscape and creating an “Asian Century.” As the only two emerging countries with populations of over one billion each, China and India shoulder the historical mission of national rejuvenation. It is the common aspiration of China and India to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and establish a more rational June 7, 2019: Dai Changren (right) from China and Gujarathi Vidit Santosh international order. from India compete at the 2019 Asian Continental Chess Championships in Shahe City, Hebei Province. The event attracted 112 players from 19 countries Chinese President Xi Jinping and regions including China, India, Australia and Japan. Xinhua said: “When China and India speak with one voice, the world will listen.” By reviewing their people-to-people exchanges society. In turn, the diligence original aspiration when they between the two countries and perseverance of the established diplomatic ties 70 carry more profound meaning. Chinese people can also inspire years ago, the two countries can To carry out in-depth the Indians to work hard to carry forward the spirits of good cultural and people-to-people modernize their country. neighborliness, friendliness, exchanges, China and India Enhance mutual trust solidarity and cooperation, and must expand and explore and dispel misgivings to pass down the profound friend- ways of communication based expand cooperation. Distrust ship stretching across thousands on adequate acknowledge of stems from lack of under- of years to deepen exchanges each other’s historical and standing. Looking back on the and mutual learning between cultural ecology to build a history of cultural exchanges the two civilizations. The two diversified exchange mech- between China and India, countries and their people will anism aimed at realizing we see non-governmental seek wisdom from the cultural mutual enrichment and contact played an important deposits accumulated for thou- harmonious coexistence role. For example, cultural sands of years, and explore the under the principle of mutual ambassadors like Xuan Zang way to get along with each other trust, mutual understanding and Kumarajiva voluntarily to interpret the true meaning and mutual respect. and willingly learned and of building a community with a Learn from each other’s disseminated cultures by self- shared future for humanity in cultural strengths to offset raised funds and their spirits the spirit of “enhancing mutual their own weaknesses. Both have influenced generations trust, focusing on cooperation, China and India have profound of people. With the opening managing differences, and seek- cultural deposits. The Indian of flights and tourism markets ing common development.” people worship simplicity in between China and India, life and nobility in character people-to-people exchanges and adhere to the development have become more frequent The author is deputy dean and associate concept of harmony between and more cultural ambassadors professor of the College of International man and nature. All this can be like Xuan Zang and Kumarajiva Education, Shenyang Normal University. She taught Chinese in Delhi University in India on learned by China in its build- will emerge in the new era. a Chinese government-sponsored program ing of a harmonious socialist Revive Eastern culture from September 1999 to October 2001.

51 DISCUSSION

The Power of Cultural Exchange

By Avijit Banerjee

It is high time that the two countries deliberate on how to look at each other objectively, how to prevent or reduce the interference caused by misjudgement, and how to increase mutual trust and understanding.

he culture of any Indian civilization to the one of its kind in India at that nation develops in Chinese but also awakened time. After Tagore’s visit to the exchange and the grandeur of the Eastern China, cultural interactions fusion with cultures Civilization. In his view, between the two countries Tof other nations. India and India-China cooperation was developed substantially, both China, two ancient civili- not only related to the future in breadth and in depth. zations, have a traditional development of the two coun- friendship that can be traced tries but also the future of back to very early times. Their Asia and the world at large. THROUGH SEVEN DECADES close contact spanning more Tagore sought to revive On April 1, 1950, India and than two thousand years has and strengthen the histori- China officially established been extremely fruitful in cal relationship between the diplomatic relations, causing the dissemination of Indian peoples of the two ancient a major sensation worldwide. culture in China and Chinese civilizations through various India was the first non-socialist culture in India. academic research projects. country to establish diplo- This old cultural link was It was his global vision that matic relations with China. In revitalized in 1924 when helped establish Cheena 1954, the two countries jointly Rabindranath Tagore visited Bhavana (Department of advocated the world-famous China. Tagore’s historic visit Chinese Language and Five Principles of Peaceful to China not only brought Culture) at Visva-Bharati Coexistence that laid a new the high attainments of University in 1937, the only foundation for India-China

52 CHINA-INDIA DIALOGUE relations and ushered in laid down in the Agreement In June 2008, joint stamps the first climax of friendly on Cultural Cooperation were released, one depicting cooperation. signed in May 1988. the Mahabodhi Temple in After India’s independence In 2003, Indian Prime Bodhgaya, India and the other in 1947 and the founding Minister Vajpayee signed depicting the White Horse of the People’s Republic a Cultural Exchange Temple in Luoyang, China. of China in 1949, cultural Programme (CEP) during his The CEP signed in exchange between the two visit to China that facilitated December 2010 led to coop- countries flourished once the exchange of cultural eration in a range of cultural again. In 1955, the first troupes, art exhibitions, exchanges through mutual Indian cultural delega- cultural festivals, and in visits of performing artists, tion headed by then Indian the field of archaeology and writers, archivists and Deputy Minister of External library science, as well as archaeologists. Multiple Affairs A. K. Chanda visited cooperation between India’s cultural festivals, film festi- China. Major moves followed National Museum, National vals and exchanges in the in cultural cooperation Gallery of Modern Art, fields of mass media, youth between the two coun- National Library, Sangeet affairs and sports were held. tries, especially after Rajiv Natak Academy and their In March 2012, leaders of Gandhi’s epoch-making visit Chinese counterparts. In India and China decided to to China in 1988. The broad February 2007, the Xuanzang celebrate 2012 as the “Year of contours of India-China Memorial Hall was inau- Friendship and Cooperation” cultural cooperation were gurated at Nalanda, India. and both countries resolved

The Indian section of the 2019 China International Travel Mart, held from November 15 to 17 in Kunming, Yunnan Province. The Mart hosted nearly 4,000 exhibition stands in eight sections, attracting exhibitors from 75 countries and regions. China News Service

53 DISCUSSION to further strengthen The willingness to exchange and People-to-People cultural exchanges between ideas with each other among Exchanges.” their people. ordinary people is strong and Cultural exchange is Entering the 21st century, enthusiastic. the basis for mutual trust India and China have People from India and and long-term cooperation established a strategic China, especially the younger between the two countries. cooperative partnership generation, show a strong Without understanding each for peace and prosperity. interest in the history and other’s cultures, it would The high-level exchanges culture of each other and they be impossible for coop- between the two countries hope to get a shorter, more eration in other areas to have been more frequent, direct channel for obtain- thrive, which underlines the along with rapidly growing ing information from the importance of educational trade and economic coop- other side. Indian movies, exchange between the two eration, as well as cultural music, garments and yoga countries. and educational coopera- have become popular in Long back in 2003, tion. The two countries have China, and at the same time China and India signed strengthened friendly inter- Indian people are obsessed a programme of educa- actions by properly handling with Chinese kungfu, food tional exchange and in differences and seeking and products. An increas- November 2006 the lead- common development. ing number of Indians and ers of both countries During Chinese President Chinese choose each other’s renewed the educational Xi Jinping’s visit to India in countries for tourism, hoping exchange programme at 2014, he launched a “China- to get a better and first-hand New Delhi. This programme India Cultural Exchange understanding about each was renewed with an eye Program” with Indian Prime other. In addition, many towards strengthening Minister Narendra Modi, students from both coun- bilateral relations in educa- covering tourism cooperation, tries decide to pursue studies tion, recalling the profound youth exchanges, museum or research in each other’s impact of education on exchanges, language teach- counctries. human resource, economic ing, classic and contemporary The establishment of the and social development, works translation, film and China-India High-level recognizing that greater television exchange, etc. The Mechanism on Cultural and linkages in education Encyclopaedia of India-China People-to-People Exchanges between the two countries Cultural Contacts was released was an important outcome would be beneficial. in both English and Chinese of the first China-India In recent years, a number versions in June 2014. The informal summit in Wuhan, of universities from both encyclopaedia features over central China in 2018. During countries are showing 700 entries, encapsulating the second informal summit keen interest in collabora- the rich history of contacts held in Mamallapuram, tion programmes. Visva- and exchanges between India in October 2019, the Bharati University, founded the two countries in trade, two sides agreed to desig- by Tagore, has taken a economic, literary, cultural nate 2020 as the “China- pioneering role in these and philosophical spheres. India Year of Cultural collaboration programmes. Similarly in China, India study centres have been set The willingness to exchange ideas with each up in Peking University, Fudan University, Lanzhou other among ordinary people is strong and University, Shenzhen enthusiastic. University and Jinggangshan University. Moreover, Hindi courses are being taught in

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June 17, 2017: The third India-China (Chengdu) International Yoga Festival opens in Dujiangyan, Sichuan Province. Ten yoga masters from India attended the opening ceremony and met with more than 1,000 yoga lovers in the following four days to exchange their ideas on ﬁnding inner peace and preserving health. China News Service

Peking University, Beijing NATURE OF CULTURAL rapid development of India- Foreign Studies University, EXCHANGE China relations in various Shanghai International Understanding the cultures aspects over the past few years, Studies University, Xi’an of other countries and cultural exchange between the International Studies promoting mutual under- two countries is still lagging. University, Guangdong standing not only serves as It is high time that the two University of Foreign Studies, a vital means of avoiding countries seriously deliberate Yunnan Minzu University, unnecessary friction between on how to look at each other Yunnan University, Sichuan countries but also helps objectively, how to prevent or International Studies refine one’s own culture and reduce the interference caused University and Tibet raise its level further through by misjudgement, and how Nationalities University, and contact with and absorption to increase mutual trust and the Bengali language is being of other cultures. Recent understanding. The power of taught in Peking University, years have witnessed the cultural exchange in the devel- the Communication emergence of multi-channel, opment of India-China bilateral University Of China, Beijing multi-faceted, and multi- relations cannot be ignored. Foreign Studies University, form cultural exchanges Guangdong University of between India and China Foreign Studies and Yunnan at both governmental and Minzu University. The non-governmental levels. mutual exchange in educa- The significance of cultural The author is head of the Department of Chinese Language and Culture (Cheena tion will further invigorate in exchange is not limited to Bhavana) at Visva-Bharati University in bilateral relations. culture itself. Despite the Santiniketan, West Bengal.

55 DATA

Facts and Figures on China-India Cooperation

Edited by Hu Zhoumeng Designed by S.V.Shineta

56 CHINA-INDIA DIALOGUE

57 DATA

58 CHINA-INDIA DIALOGUE

59 YOUNG VOICES

Closer China-India Youth Exchanges

Concept by China-India Dialogue

Indian Dance: Language and African Studies (SOAS), Chinese dancer for 15 years. to Connect the World University of London, I dance After trying various forms of Kathak, one of the main genres dance, I found that Indian of classical Indian dance, and dance, with an expressive Du Juan have performed in my spare combination of hardness and Age: 30 time on prestigious stages in softness, shared an Asian Occupation: Young artist China, India, Britain and the cultural base with Chinese Birth place: Beijing United States. My journey from dance and resonated most with Current residence: Beijing Beijing to New Delhi and then me. Moreover, I once came to to London has transformed me India as a volunteer teacher from a classical Chinese dancer and was emotionally bound to to one who uses ancient Indian it. So, I started to learn Kathak dance as a universal language at the Swami Vivekananda to connect audiences in China Cultural Center at the Embassy and India and beyond. Through of India in Beijing and learn my efforts, I hope to bring the Bharatanatyam and Odissi from artistic value of classical Indian renowned dancers in China. dance onto a broader platform, To go deeper into dance, share my reflections as a cross- I, young and bold, later cultural dancer and promote decided to go to Delhi, where cultural exchanges between I could visit dance artists China and India. while working with a Chinese My great interest in learning company. I finally got the Indian dance originated from opportunity to learn from my belief that dance could Guru Pradipto Chakrobarty, Graduated with a master’s be employed as a beautiful senior disciple of Pt. Jai Kishan degree in social anthropology language to connect different Maharaj who represented from the School of Oriental cultures. I used to be a classical the eighth generation in the

60 CHINA-INDIA DIALOGUE

lineage of Lucknow Ghanara of in anthropology at SOAS and including India. Kathak. His constant support learned Hindi at the same time. Though the raging COVID-19 and encouragement in my In London, a city known as the pandemic worldwide impedes learning and performance “crossroads of the world,” my international travel, I maintain showed his artistic ideas and horizon was greatly broadened. close interactions with global practices beyond borders. And my anthropological professionals engaged in Indian He even made extra efforts background helped me gain arts through social media. Our to adjust choreography and deeper insights into the activities include combining teaching for a foreign student concept of “the other” in terms Chinese songs with Indian like me so that this ancient of culture, which enabled me dance to create new art forms, Indian art form could reach a to apply dance as a universal organizing online interviews wider audience outside India. language connecting diverse with global performers, and In order to better understand cultures to inspire fascinating recording videos in Hindi to Indian society and culture, I ideas. Here, I met artists from introduce Chinese dance. I chose to go back to school all over the world and forged believe that the shared passion after working for five years. profound friendships with for arts will bring us closer in I pursued a master’s degree artists from various countries times of difficulty.

Building Platforms for As global connectivity soars, increased output and a shift in Youth Exchange young people have become a employment from agriculture potent influence on shaping and to industry and services, the developing new-age companies need for a “skilled workforce” Deepa Nair thereby influencing people of has grown in the process. Age: 32 all ages and income levels. And The youth or Gen Z from Occupation: Freelance Indian business in the two largest emerging both nations aspire to more journalist economies in the world, China skill-oriented, innovative Birth place: Mumbai and India, the digital revolution and knowledge-based Current residence: Mumbai and technological leaps have employment in the context of seen a transformational effect globalization, moving away on the way business is being from low technology-based conducted with start-ups production based on manual and e-commerce companies and mechanical techniques. prioritizing convenience. It is In order to foster innovation widely accepted that these and research and make two emerging giants will the leap into an economic transform the global economy powerhouse, Chinese planners in numerous ways over the emphasized educational coming decades. reforms, especially vocational As both the Indian and educational reforms and the Chinese economies undergo quest for lifelong learning. structural transformation and China announced its goal of rapid development resulting in becoming an international

61 YOUNG VOICES

education hub in 2012 with phenomenal. Consequently, compiled by the UK-based a target enrollment of five the total number of foreign agency Quacquarelli Symonds lakh 500,000 international students in China reached (QS), there are many more students by 2020. The status 492,185 in 2018. universities from China than of several Chinese universities China is now training more India. In the latest rankings, has continually risen on the Ph.D. students than the 22 Chinese universities found major global university ranking United States, and in 2018 a place in the top 500 list, as lists since the beginning the number of scientific, compared to nine from India. of the 21st century. For technical, and medical As of 2019, according to example, in the Times Higher research papers published by the official data of the Indian Education World University Chinese researchers for the Ministry of Human Resource Rankings 2020, Tsinghua first time exceeded those Development, 23,000 Indian University, Peking University and produced by U.S. scholars. students studied in China, of the University of Science and India’s record has been whom 21,000 were pursuing Technology of China are listed less than exemplary, as other medical education. The among the top 100, with four developing nations have remaining students were other Chinese universities in the even raced ahead of India pursuing language studies and top 200. The speed of China’s in nurturing academic talent engineering. Limited numbers of emergence as one of the world’s and promoting research. In medical seats in India, intense most important countries in the list of top 500 educational competition and prohibitively international education has been institutes in the world expensive private medical

June 30, 2019: More than 100 international students from countries including India, Nepal, Mauritius, and Ghana attend the 2019 graduation and degree granting ceremony of Nanjing Medical University. Pictured are some of them taking a selﬁe at the ceremony. China News Service

62 CHINA-INDIA DIALOGUE

education in India have made The exchange program experience which I had when I China the destination of choice involves interaction with actually visited those sites.” for Indian students aiming to local youth, visits to tourist His trip involved visits to the pursue a medical degree. In and cultural sites and National Museum of China, addition to China’s geographical introduction to economic and the Forbidden City, the OFO proximity to India, familiarity social activities. In addition, headquarters in Beijing, the cars with Chinese food has also been it also has educational displayed at Dongfeng Motor an enabling factor for Indian elements through interaction Corporation and the Wuhan students choosing China as and exchanges of students Citizens Home, and exploring their destination to pursue their and faculty members with the city of Shanghai. medical dreams. economic and political “I believe that experiencing Incidentally, every year around personages and interactive everything personally in China five percent of the Indian sessions in different areas such has enhanced my learning students come to China to study as culture and sports. It also exponentially and made me languages. Apart from individual includes visits to rural areas. understand the country’s culture universities, scholarships are The program emphasized to a large extent,” Murshed provided by the government of strengthening people-to-people explained in his blog. every provincial region in China. exchanges between the two The regular student exchange Interestingly, the Indo-China countries while covering all programs provide an excellent youth exchange program took aspects of India-China bilateral avenue for the youth of both off in April 2005, during the visit relations. Through the annual India and China to understand of then Chinese Premier Wen youth exchange program, the and experience each other’s Jiabao to India in April 2005, governments of India and China cultures and learn from ancient where it was decided to launch intend to provide opportunities wisdom while keeping up regular youth exchange activities to their youth to understand with the technological leaps between India and China. This each other better. in both nations. Even as China agreement has found reference Youth delegation programs has made substantial progress in the Joint Statement of April are an avenue by which Chinese in revamping its higher 11, 2005 signed by Premier Wen and Indian students gain first- education, its focus on research and then Indian Prime Minister hand knowledge about each has contributed immensely Manmohan Singh, which other’s countries with the to the country emerging as announced the launching of help of close interaction with a technology powerhouse as regular youth exchange activities experts and practitioners from commerce between the two between the two countries. various fields, including industry, countries grows exponentially India and China decided to make education, sports, science and with Chinese companies 2006 the “India-China Friendship technology, urban planning, tapping the Indian market. A Year.” This historic event marked agriculture and health. majority of the big start-ups in the 55th anniversary of the A part of the Indian India have a Chinese investor establishment of diplomatic ties delegation, S.K. Murshed from requiring both countries to between China and India. PGP Batch 2017-19, IIM Kashipur, invest in mutual understanding Further, the joint declaration posted in his blog about his through enhanced youth issued during the visit of then experience in China. “Before interactions and exchanges to Chinese President Hu Jintao to arriving in China, we were overcome any mistrust and India from November 20 to 23, advised to learn about Chinese help evolve their relationship in 2006, stated that the two sides culture. I read books, blogs, a world trying to win the battle agreed to launch the five-year and everything to make myself against the COVID-19 pandemic program for mutual exchange of well versed but no amount to emerge stronger and more youth delegations. of reading can match the resilient.

63 BOOKS

Major Issues in China-India Relations

By Qiao Zhenqi

analysis. The History and Future of history of the development of China Contemporary China-India Relations and India as well as their relations in was published by World Affairs Press modern times. The authors adopted to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Marxist theories on fundamental drivers the establishment of diplomatic ties for social development and focused between China and India. This book on the core variable—technological presents a solid breakdown of the ups revolutions, as part of their methods and downs of the bilateral relations to analyze the past of the two over the past seven decades. countries. China and India share a The book was divided into nine parts similar development route—civilized including a preface, an introduction, in ancient times, colonized or semi- five chapters, a bibliography and an colonized, independent—which roughly The History and Future of epilogue. The first chapter summarizes aligned with the four technological Contemporary China-India the history of China and India and their revolutions of the last three centuries. Relations relations in modern times. The second This similarity has nurtured the two chapter focuses on the longstanding countries’ historical relations and Chen Zonghai, Ma Jiali, Hu Shisheng, issue of the Tibet question. The third continues to foster future ties. Zhang Lei chapter covers on the boundary Relations between China and India World Affairs Press April 2020 question. The fourth chapter outlines can be broken into four phases known economics and trade issue between as the honeymoon period (1950-1959), the two countries, and the fifth chapter confrontation period (1959-1976), looks to the future of their relations. normalization period (1976-2000), and Interactions between China and Professor Chen Zonghai, researchers Ma a period of developing comprehensive India can flow as rapidly as the Jiali and Hu Shisheng, and Dr. Zhang relations (2000-present), which Yarlung Zangbo River or rest as inert Lei cited at least 296 references from includes the strategic and cooperative as the Himalayas. Relations between both Chinese and English sources while partnership period (2000-2013) and the the two countries are complicated, authoring the book. close partnership period (2013-present). to say the least, and demand deep The first chapter presents a brief Since the establishment of their

64 CHINA-INDIA DIALOGUE diplomatic ties on April 1, 1950, relations between China and India have seen many ups and downs, but the core of them ties have remained peaceful, friendly, cooperative and mutually beneficial with an upward and positive trend. By surveying history, the authors draw on the experiences and lessons of development of the bilateral relationship to forecast the future. First, the two countries need to continue jointly upholding the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Second, it is imperative to solve questions over Tibet and borders left by history through peaceful consultation. Third, they need to continue various forms of diplomatic November 21, 2014: Visitors view the Xiaoshan laceworks at the “Heavenly interactions, led by summit diplomacy. Creations – Exhibition on Intangible Cultural Heritage of China’s Zhejiang Fourth, they should commit to Province” in New Delhi, capital of India. by Zheng Huansong/Xinhua diplomacy that serves both countries’ strategic goals of modernization and national renewal. Fifth, the two At the end of the day, as China’s conflict of 1962 leads to some valuable countries need to further clarify their governance on Tibet becomes more conclusions. First, it is imperative to grasp common interests and the orientation effective and popular locally, India will the fundamental principles of national of the development of their relations. lose advantages in this regard. The strategy. Exacerbation of such an issue The second chapter presents Tibet question could ultimately flip would lead to deviation in the major conclusions of research on the Tibet from a negative factor into a positive trends of China’s peaceful development, question and its impact on China- driver of China-India cross-border betray the essential interest of its India relations. The persistence cooperation and joint development. national development strategy, impact of the Tibet question disturbs the The third chapter looks at the the in-depth advancement of China’s bilateral relations because of several boundary question plaguing the bilateral reform and opening up and hinder its characteristics of the question. First relationship. Due to a large disputed area, advance towards socialist modernization. is its one-way disturbance quality. the boundary question has remained Second, both countries must maintain New Delhi can unilaterally leverage thorny for a long time and involves major peace and tranquility along the Line of the question to interfere with its interests of the two countries. Thanks to Actual Control. China and India must relations with China. If China wants to double pressure from domestic politics do everything they can to prevent thoroughly nullify India’s leverage on and global geopolitics, the boundary provocative crossing or other actions by the Tibet question, it needs to provide question can cause mood swings in the establishing sorts of tacit agreement on peer exchange. And this involves the two peoples and easily arouse strong tactics and allow security and defense second characteristic “poor tradable nationalist sentiment and even populism consultation mechanisms to play a major quality,” which in turn leads to the if improperly managed. Today, the role. Third, public opinion is tremendously third characteristic “repetitive quality.” question has little or even zero chance of important. Sensitive topics related to In short, whether the two countries requiring force or warfare to be solved, the boundary question require reports to can eliminate the distractions of the but mismanagement or inappropriate be objective and reasonably guided by Tibet question depends on New Delhi. behavior that causes border friction relevant authorities. The media should But Beijing can usually determine the can still lead to a border crisis or even help the public understand the truth intensity of the disturbance on China- conflict. A retrospect on the process and historical context to dissuade the India relations because the question of the two countries’ management of outbreak of irrational public responses. is, after all, a domestic China affair. their boundary question and the border The fourth chapter sheds light on

65 BOOKS

economic and trade issues between strategic goal as developing countries, Each writer has different academic the two countries. China and India, and an Asian Century is a vision shared background, academic accumulation, the two biggest developing countries as major countries. Modernization is information accessibility, observation with the world’s largest populations, an internal guarantee for the national perspective, analytical ability, and share similar national conditions security of both countries, a pillar of an research environment. Consequently, and cultural context. The two Asian Asian Century, and a strategic interest some research results are inevitably neighbors revere long histories and sought by bilateral diplomacy for the subjective and one-sided, leaving civilization, and as emerging market national development of both countries. flaws and omissions nearly economies, China and India are natural Future-oriented China-India relations unavoidable. Additionally, issues of trading partners. Their economic and can stride at lower, middle and upper maritime rights and interests and trade relations have gone through levels. At the “upper” level, the two third-party influencing factors on upstart, suspension, normalization, countries can jointly create the Asian China-India relations are important and comprehensive development. Century and promote a community topics of contemporary China-India India has become China’s largest with a shared future for humanity. At relations studies, but due to the trading partner in the South Asia the “middle” level, China and India limitations of research conditions, they region and China is the largest trading can enforce a closer development could not be factored into every study partner of India. The two countries’ partnership and bilateral ties with win- and need more attention. economic and trade relations present win collaboration at the core. At the Professor Jiang Jingkui from Peking both advantages and challenges, but “lower” level, the two countries can University wrote the preface for the strengthening cooperation remains achieve modernization and secure book after reading the main body. “It mainstream. Their economic and trade national renewal by improving living was amazing to see everything you will relations should develop to the rhythm standards for their people. find in the text, and it quickly became of the overall bilateral relations, This book has great academic value. a page-turning manuscript for me,” but at the same time, cooperation First, it traces the historical origin of the he wrote. “The authors of this book in the realm of economics should Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence stand high and see far. The book is very play a greater role in strengthening and demonstrates its practical informative and offers many citations, their relations. Both countries need significance. Second, it advocates historical references, and critical notes, to explore the convergence of their China’s willingness to demarcate the giving it maximum academic value, respective development under the borders with its neighboring countries practical significance, and strong framework of the Belt and Road on land, which is conducive to creating readability. The book can be described as Initiative and optimize a roadmap a tranquil surrounding environment. a ‘new chapter’ of China-India relations for cooperation and mutual benefits. Third, it demonstrates the overall shining intense light on the great value Meanwhile, facing the rise of de- picture of China’s diplomacy and of studies and collection.” globalization and protectionism, the highlights the prominent status of its At two informal meetings in two countries need to strengthen relations with neighboring countries. 2018 and 2019, leaders of the two communication, coordinate stances Fourth, the book reinforces the idea of countries reached two tremendously and send regular positive signals realization of China’s “Two Centenary important consensuses: The first of support for the multilateral trade Goals” involving building the country was to support each other’s national system while guarding the interests of into a socialist modernized power. Fifth, modernization. The second was to developing countries. the book promotes healthy growth of work together to achieve the great The fifth chapter analyzes the China-India relations and encourages rejuvenation of both civilizations. outlook of China-India relations. To the two countries to create the Asian China and India need to actively maintain stable and lasting friendly Century together. The authors hope their construct a closer development relations, the two countries must wealth of research to shed light on and partnership and constantly strive for work on relations in three aspects: make positive contributions to a closer new fruits through the China-India as neighboring countries, as two development partnership between strategic and cooperative partnership developing countries and as major China and India as they embrace while advancing their respective countries. Mutual trust and harmonious modernization and the Asian Century. modernizations to jointly build the coexistence as neighboring countries The authors concede that the Asian Century of world civilization, and are the cornerstones for China-India book still has room for improvement a community with a shared future for ties, modernization is their shared because research roadblocks remain. Asia and for humanity.